Jordan Eberle Delivers Double Strike as Seattle Kraken Top Edmonton Oilers in Thrilling 3-2 Win, Shattering Franchise Record Start

In a night that will echo through Seattle Kraken history, veteran forward Jordan Eberle ignited the Climate Pledge Arena with two timely goals, propelling the Kraken to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. This win not only silenced the visiting stars but also propelled the franchise to its best start ever at 5-2-2, a milestone that has fans buzzing about an unexpected playoff push in the NHL’s Pacific Division.

The game, played on a crisp October evening, showcased the Kraken’s blend of grit and precision against one of the league’s powerhouse offenses led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Eberle’s performance was the spark, but it was the team’s collective resolve that sealed a franchise record opening that’s turning heads across the NHL. As the final buzzer sounded, Seattle’s faithful erupted, sensing the dawn of something special in their young franchise’s third season.

Eberle’s Clutch Goals Turn the Tide Against Oilers’ Stars

Jordan Eberle, the 33-year-old winger who returned to the NHL spotlight after stints with multiple teams, proved why he’s a cornerstone for the Seattle Kraken. His first goal came early in the second period, a wrist shot from the slot that beat Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner after a seamless breakout pass from defenseman Adam Larsson. It was Eberle’s third goal of the season, but more importantly, it gave Seattle a 2-1 lead at a moment when Edmonton’s offense was ramping up.

“I’ve been waiting for that bounce-back game,” Eberle said post-match, his voice steady amid the locker room cheers. “The boys in front created the chances, and I just buried them. This one’s for the fans who’ve stuck with us since day one.” His second tally, a power-play snipe in the third period, extended the lead to 3-1 and effectively drained the life from Edmonton’s comeback hopes. That goal, assisted by Matty Beniers and Jaden Schwartz, highlighted Eberle’s chemistry with the top line, a duo that’s now accounting for 40% of the team’s scoring output early in the year.

Against the Edmonton Oilers, known for their high-octane attack boasting the NHL’s third-best power play at 28.6% efficiency, Eberle’s strikes were surgical. He finished with two goals on four shots, a plus-2 rating, and won 60% of his faceoffs—a stat that underscores his all-around impact. For a player who signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with Seattle in 2021, nights like this validate his decision to join the expansion team, transforming from a depth scorer into a clutch performer.

Statistically, Eberle’s multi-goal game was his 12th in the NHL, but the first since joining the Kraken. It also marked the first time a Kraken player has notched a two-goal effort against Edmonton since the franchises’ inaugural matchup in 2021. As the NHL world digests this, analysts are already drawing parallels to Eberle’s playoff heroics with the New York Islanders, where he tallied 15 points in 22 games during the 2020 bubble.

Kraken’s Goaltending Wall Frustrates McDavid and Draisaitl

While Eberle stole the show offensively, it was goaltender Joey Daccord who anchored the Seattle Kraken‘s defense in a game that saw the Oilers pepper the net with 38 shots. Daccord, stepping in for the injured Philipp Grubauer, stopped 36 of 38 shots for a .947 save percentage, including a sprawling denial on McDavid’s breakaway in the dying minutes. His performance earned first star honors and drew praise from coach Dave Hakstol, who called it “a masterclass in composure.”

The Oilers, riding a three-game win streak into Seattle, relied heavily on their dynamic duo: McDavid and Draisaitl combined for 11 shots but were held scoreless until late. McDavid, the league’s reigning MVP, managed an assist on Zach Hyman’s goal but was visibly frustrated after being shadow-checked by Kraken center Yanni Gourde. Draisaitl’s equalizer in the first period—a deflection off a point shot—temporarily tied the game at 1-1, but Seattle’s penalty kill unit, ranked second in the NHL at 88.9%, neutralized two Oilers power plays in the second frame.

Defensively, the Kraken blocked 22 shots, with standout efforts from Jamie Oleksiak and Will Borgen, who combined for nine hits. This gritty play limited Edmonton to just two high-danger chances in the third period, per NHL Edge data. “We knew they’d come hard, but our structure held,” Hakstol noted. “Joey’s glove hand on that last one? Unbelievable.” Daccord’s outing improves his season record to 3-1-1, with a 2.15 GAA, positioning him as a viable tandem option and easing concerns over Grubauer’s absence.

This matchup harkens back to the Kraken’s inaugural season clash with Edmonton in 2022, where they lost 4-3 in overtime. Fast-forward to now, and Seattle’s evolution is evident: from a 27th-place finish last year to this franchise record start, their defensive metrics have improved by 15% in expected goals against, according to advanced analytics from MoneyPuck.

Historic Franchise Start Signals Kraken’s Rising Ambitions

The 3-2 victory catapults the Seattle Kraken to 5-2-2, surpassing their previous best opening of 4-2-1 from 2022-23. This franchise record mark places them third in the Pacific Division, just two points behind the Vegas Golden Knights, and has ignited discussions about their playoff viability. With 12 points through nine games, Seattle’s points percentage of .667 is the highest among expansion teams at this stage since the Vegas Golden Knights’ 2017-18 run to the Stanley Cup Final.

General Manager Ron Francis, architect of this roster, emphasized the significance: “We’re building something sustainable. This start isn’t luck—it’s preparation meeting opportunity.” The Kraken’s early success stems from a balanced attack: five players with at least four points, led by Eberle’s seven. Their special teams rank in the top five league-wide, with a 25.0% power play and that stout penalty kill.

Fan engagement has surged, too. Attendance at Climate Pledge Arena hit 17,151 for the game, a sellout, and social media mentions of the Kraken spiked 40% post-win, per Brandwatch data. For a franchise that entered the NHL in 2021 amid pandemic restrictions, this organic buzz is gold. Veterans like Eberle and Jaden Schwartz provide leadership, while young guns like Beniers (2022 Calder winner) inject speed. The result? A team that’s outscoring opponents 28-22, with a plus-6 differential that’s second in the West.

Comparing to peers, the Kraken’s start mirrors the Golden Knights’ breakout year, where early wins built momentum. Yet, challenges loom: injuries to key players like Vince Dunn could test depth. Still, this record positions Seattle as a dark horse, with odds shifting from +2500 to +1800 for the playoffs on major sportsbooks.

Key Plays and Turning Points Define Tense NHL Battle

From the opening faceoff, the game crackled with intensity. Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard opened scoring with a laser from the point at 8:42 of the first, but Seattle responded 2:15 later when Jared McCann tipped a shot past Skinner for a 1-1 tie. That goal, McCann’s fourth of the season, showcased the Kraken’s forecheck, which generated 12 high-danger chances—tying their season high.

The second period belonged to Eberle, as detailed earlier, but a controversial non-call on a high stick by Oilers’ Darnell Nurse nearly shifted momentum. Seattle capitalized on the power play that followed, though it was Eberle’s even-strength marker that truly swung the game. In the third, Hyman’s wrister at 4:19 cut the deficit to 3-2, prompting a tense final stretch where Daccord faced 14 shots.

A pivotal moment came at 16:45 when McDavid’s shot rang off the post, saved by a desperate block from Borgen. Post-game stats reveal Seattle controlled 52% of the shot share and 55% of expected goals, per Natural Stat Trick. This edge in puck possession, up from 48% in their last Oilers meeting, reflects improved coaching under Hakstol, who’s implemented a more aggressive neutral-zone trap.

Player quotes added flavor: Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft lamented, “We had our looks, but credit to Seattle—they earned it.” For Kraken fans, it’s validation after a playoff miss last year; for the league, it’s a reminder that the Pacific Division’s parity is fiercer than ever.

Kraken’s Hot Streak Sets Stage for Pacific Division Showdown

As the Seattle Kraken ride this wave, their schedule intensifies with back-to-back games against the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames. A win in either could push their record to 7-2-2, solidifying contender status. With Eberle heating up—projected for 25 goals by season’s end, per The Athletic models—the offense hums, but sustaining defensive play will be key against high-scoring foes like Edmonton.

Looking broader, this franchise record start has ripple effects: boosted merchandise sales (up 25% YOY), increased national TV exposure, and whispers of an All-Star Game bid for 2024. For the Edmonton Oilers, now 3-4-1, the loss exposes vulnerabilities; their road record sits at 1-3, and Skinner’s .885 save percentage needs shoring up before facing the Kings.

In the grand NHL tapestry, Seattle’s ascent challenges the narrative of Western Conference dominance by teams like Colorado and Dallas. If they maintain this pace—scoring 3.11 goals per game while allowing 2.44—the playoffs aren’t a pipe dream. Eberle’s leadership, paired with emerging talents, positions the Kraken not just to compete, but to captivate. As Hakstol put it, “We’re just getting started.” The Pacific Division, and the league, better take notice.