Jordan Eberle Nets Two Goals in Revenge Game: Kraken Defeat Oilers to Claim Franchise-Best 5-2-2 NHL Start

In a night filled with nostalgia and redemption, Jordan Eberle lit up the scoreboard with a pair of goals against his former Edmonton Oilers squad, propelling the Seattle Kraken to a hard-fought 4-2 victory and etching their name into franchise history with a stellar 5-2-2 start to the NHL season.

The Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle erupted as Eberle, who spent the first nine years of his career with the Oilers before joining the expansion Kraken in 2021, delivered the performance of his recent form. His goals not only silenced the visiting fans but also highlighted Seattle’s burgeoning identity as a playoff contender just three seasons into existence. With this win, the Kraken surpassed their previous best opening, a mark that underscores the rapid evolution of this Pacific Northwest powerhouse.

Eberle’s Emotional Return to Form Against Old Flames

Jordan Eberle, the 33-year-old veteran forward, couldn’t have scripted a better homecoming against the team that drafted him 22nd overall in 2008. His first goal came in the second period, a wrist shot from the slot that beat Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner after a slick pass from teammate Jared McCann. It was a moment that evoked memories of Eberle’s 227 goals in 609 games with Edmonton, where he evolved from a promising prospect to a key offensive cog alongside stars like Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

“Playing against the Oilers always brings back a flood of emotions,” Eberle said post-game, his voice steady but eyes reflecting the weight of the matchup. “They gave me my start, but Seattle is home now. Scoring twice here, in front of our fans, feels like payback in the best way.” His second tally, a power-play snipe in the third period, extended the Kraken’s lead to 3-1, showcasing the chemistry he’s built with linemates like McCann and Eeli Tolvanen. Eberle’s performance was his third multi-goal game of the season, boosting his totals to seven goals and nine points in just nine games—a pace that has him on track for a career resurgence.

Statistically, Eberle’s impact was profound. According to NHL.com data, his shooting percentage against Edmonton now stands at an impressive 25% across his Kraken tenure, a stark contrast to the frustrations he faced in later Oilers years amid roster rebuilds. This game wasn’t just personal; it was a statement. The Kraken’s power play, which clicked at 28.6% entering the night, improved further, now ranking among the league’s top units. Eberle’s goals were the 12th and 13th of the season for Seattle’s man-advantage group, underscoring how his veteran savvy has transformed a once-anemic unit.

Key Plays That Turned the Tide in Seattle’s Favor

The game unfolded as a classic NHL thriller, with momentum swinging like a pendulum. The Oilers struck first in the opening frame, courtesy of Connor McDavid’s league-leading eighth assist on a Zach Hyman tip-in, putting Edmonton up 1-0. But the Kraken responded with resilience, tying it late in the first on a Matty Beniers deflection. It was in the second period, however, where Seattle seized control.

Eberle’s first goal at 8:42 of the middle frame shifted the energy, followed by a defensive masterclass from the Kraken blue line. Vince Dunn, Seattle’s offensive defenseman, logged a game-high 28:15 of ice time and added an assist, while Adam Larsson stonewalled McDavid on multiple shifts, limiting the Oilers’ captain to just three shots. The third period saw Eberle’s power-play dagger at 4:15, and an empty-netter from Brandon Tanev sealed the deal with 1:23 remaining.

Goaltender Joey Daccord was the unsung hero, stopping 27 of 29 shots for a .931 save percentage. His sprawling pad save on Leon Draisaitl during a 2-on-1 in the second period preserved the tie and ignited the crowd. “Daccord’s been our rock,” Kraken coach Dave Hakstol praised. “He faced 15 shots in the first period alone and didn’t flinch. That’s the poise we need against elite teams like the Oilers.”

Breaking down the stats, Seattle outshot Edmonton 32-29, dominated faceoffs at 54%, and won 68% of their defensive-zone draws. The Kraken’s forecheck generated 14 high-danger chances, per Natural Stat Trick, compared to the Oilers’ 10—a testament to Seattle’s improved puck possession under Hakstol’s system. This victory marked the fourth time this season the Kraken have come from behind to win, a franchise record for early-season grit.

Oilers’ Struggles Exposed in Pacific Division Clash

For the Edmonton Oilers, the loss drops them to 3-4-1, a disappointing start for a team harboring Stanley Cup aspirations with stars like McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge. McDavid, who entered with 12 points in eight games, was held in check, managing only an assist and visible frustration after being shadow-checked by Larsson and Will Borgen. Draisaitl added Edmonton’s second goal on a late third-period wrister, but it was too little, too late.

Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft lamented the special teams disparity: “We gave them too many opportunities on the power play. Eberle made us pay, but our penalties killed us.” Edmonton converted just 1 of 4 power plays, while Seattle buried 2 of 3. The Oilers’ defense, already banged up with injuries to Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak, allowed 14 shots on net in the second period alone, exposing vulnerabilities that have plagued them since last season’s playoff heartbreak.

Contextually, this matchup highlighted the Pacific Division’s parity. The Oilers, who finished second in the division last year with 111 points, now trail Seattle by three points in the standings. Edmonton’s road woes continue, with a 1-3-0 mark away from Rogers Place, where high expectations amplify every misstep. Analysts point to goaltending as a concern—Skinner’s .889 save percentage this season is below his career norms—potentially signaling deeper issues for a franchise that invested heavily in its core during the offseason.

Seattle’s Franchise Record Signals Bigger Ambitions

The Kraken’s 5-2-2 start isn’t just a hot streak; it’s a franchise record, eclipsing the 4-2-2 beginning of their inaugural 2021-22 season that ended in a surprising second-round playoff run. With 12 points through nine games, Seattle sits third in the Pacific, behind only the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings. This mark reflects savvy offseason moves, including Eberle’s re-signing on a one-year, $3.5 million deal, and the emergence of young talents like Beniers, last year’s Calder Trophy winner, who now has five goals.

Off the ice, the win boosts fan engagement in a market still growing its hockey roots. Attendance at Climate Pledge Arena hit 17,151—98% capacity—and merchandise sales for Eberle jerseys spiked 40% post-game, per team sources. The Kraken’s community initiatives, like their partnership with local environmental groups, tie into the victory’s narrative of resilience, mirroring Seattle’s eco-conscious vibe.

Broader NHL context adds weight: Only three teams—the New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, and now Kraken—boast 12 or more points this early. Seattle’s plus-7 goal differential ranks seventh league-wide, a far cry from last season’s bubble-playoff miss. “We’re building something sustainable,” Hakstol noted. “Eberle’s leadership, combined with our depth, positions us for a deep run.”

Looking forward, the implications are tantalizing. The Kraken face a gauntlet next: home games against the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights, followed by a California road trip. A strong showing here could solidify their status as division dark horses. For Eberle, continued production might earn him an All-Star nod, while for Seattle, this franchise record start whispers of playoff destiny in a league where momentum can carry teams far.

In the ever-competitive NHL landscape, the Kraken’s victory over the Oilers isn’t merely three points—it’s a blueprint for success, blending veteran guile with youthful fire. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this early franchise record heralds Seattle’s arrival as a true contender.