Jordan Eberle’s Two Goals Fuel Seattle Kraken’s Franchise-Best Start in Thrilling 3-2 Win Over Edmonton Oilers

In a nail-biting showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, Jordan Eberle delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice to propel the Seattle Kraken to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night at Climate Pledge Arena. The win not only silenced the visiting Oilers but also extended the Kraken’s impressive early-season streak, pushing their record to a franchise-best 5-2-2 and solidifying their position as one of the NHL’s most surprising stories of the 2023-24 campaign.

The atmosphere in Seattle was electric as the Kraken, playing in front of a raucous home crowd, showcased the grit and determination that has defined their expansion-era identity. Eberle, the veteran forward who once called Edmonton home, turned the game into a personal redemption arc, netting goals in the first and third periods that proved decisive. His performance was a stark reminder of his scoring prowess, adding to his season tally and boosting the team’s offensive momentum at a crucial juncture.

Eberle’s Redemption Night Against Former Team Ignites Kraken Offense

Jordan Eberle, the 33-year-old right winger who spent the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the Oilers before being traded to the New York Islanders in 2017 and eventually signing with the Kraken as a free agent in 2021, made sure his return to face his old squad was unforgettable. Opening the scoring just 4:12 into the first period, Eberle capitalized on a scramble in front of the net, tipping a shot from defenseman Adam Larsson past Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner for his third goal of the season. The goal sent the Climate Pledge Arena into a frenzy, with fans chanting Eberle’s name in a nod to his journeyman status and unwavering passion for the game.

But Eberle wasn’t done. In the third period, with the score tied at 2-2, he struck again at the 12:45 mark, roofing a backhand shot over Skinner’s glove on a breakaway set up by a pinpoint pass from linemate Brandon Tanev. “It’s always special playing against your former team,” Eberle said post-game, his voice laced with emotion. “But tonight was about the team. We’ve got something special brewing here in Seattle, and these wins are proof of that.” His brace not only gave the Kraken the lead but also highlighted his chemistry with the third line, which has been a revelation in the early going.

Statistically, Eberle’s impact extended beyond the scoresheet. He logged 18:23 of ice time, won 56% of his faceoffs, and blocked two shots, embodying the all-around game that has made him a fan favorite in Seattle. For the Oilers, who were looking to bounce back from a sluggish start to their own season, Eberle’s goals were a bitter pill, evoking memories of his 221 points in 507 games with Edmonton. Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol praised his veteran presence: “Jordan’s experience shines through in big moments. He doesn’t just score; he elevates everyone around him.”

Kraken’s Goaltending Heroics Seal Franchise Record Extension

While Eberle’s offense stole the headlines, it was the Kraken’s goaltending that truly anchored the victory, extending their franchise record start to 5-2-2. Joey Daccord, starting in place of the injured Philipp Grubauer, was a wall in net, stopping 28 of 30 shots faced for a .933 save percentage. His sprawling pad save on Connor McDavid in the second period—a highlight-reel denial that preserved a one-goal lead—drew comparisons to some of the best stops in recent NHL memory.

Daccord’s performance was pivotal in a game where the Oilers peppered the Kraken net with 30 shots, including several high-danger chances from stars like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The 27-year-old netminder, a Seattle native who grew up idolizing the sport in the Pacific Northwest, improved his season record to 3-1-1. “Playing in front of this crowd is a dream come true,” Daccord remarked. “We fed off their energy tonight.” His poise under pressure was a key factor in the team’s defensive structure, which limited Edmonton to just two goals despite their offensive firepower.

The Kraken’s penalty kill unit also deserves mention, going a perfect 3-for-3 against the NHL’s most potent power play, which entered the game converting at 28.6%. This unit, bolstered by forwards like Eberle and defensemen such as Jamie Oleksiak, has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s early success. With this win, the Kraken surpassed their previous best start from the 2022-23 season (4-2-2 through eight games), setting a new benchmark in their brief history. Analysts point to this defensive resilience as a sign that the expansion team is evolving from underdogs to contenders in the Pacific Division.

Oilers’ Early-Season Woes Deepen with Loss to Surging Rivals

For the Edmonton Oilers, the defeat marked their third loss in four games, dropping them to 3-4-1 and exposing vulnerabilities in a team expected to contend for the Stanley Cup. Despite generating quality chances—boasting a 52% shot share and out-attempting Seattle 32-25 in the offensive zone—the Oilers couldn’t convert, with goals from Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard providing brief hope but ultimately falling short.

McDavid, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, tallied an assist on Hyman’s tally but was held scoreless otherwise, managing just five shots on goal in a frustrating night. Draisaitl added a helper but lamented the team’s execution post-game: “We had our looks, but give credit to their goalie. We need to be sharper.” Skinner’s 24 saves weren’t enough to stem the tide, as Edmonton’s defense leaked two soft goals, raising questions about their blue-line stability early in the season.

This matchup harkens back to the intense Pacific Division rivalries, where the Kraken have now won two of three against the Oilers since entering the league in 2021. Edmonton’s power play, a strength last year with 32.4% efficiency, went 1-for-5, underscoring the need for adjustments. As the Oilers look to regroup, their next games against Central Division foes will be critical in avoiding an early deficit in the standings.

Behind the Stats: How the Kraken Are Rewriting Their Franchise Record

Diving deeper into the numbers, the Kraken’s 5-2-2 start is more than just a hot streak—it’s a testament to strategic offseason moves and in-season adaptations. Seattle enters the night averaging 2.89 goals per game, up from 2.72 last season, thanks to balanced scoring from all four lines. Eberle’s two goals padded his team-leading four points, while contributions from Matty Beniers (two assists in this game) and Jaden Schwartz (the third Kraken goal on a tip-in) show depth that was lacking in prior years.

Defensively, the Kraken rank seventh in the NHL in goals against per game (2.44), a marked improvement from their inaugural 2021-22 season’s league-worst 3.85. This is no fluke; general manager Ron Francis prioritized size and mobility on the back end, with trades and signings like Oleksiak and Larsson paying dividends. The team’s 51.2% Corsi rating in this contest indicates sustained puck possession, a far cry from the turnover-prone play of their expansion days.

Historically, the Kraken’s franchise record progression mirrors other successful expansion teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, who hit 5-2-1 in their debut year. Yet Seattle’s current pace—earning points in seven of nine games—positions them for a potential wild-card berth. Fan engagement has surged too, with average attendance at 17,151 per game, up 5% from last year, fueled by wins like this one that create buzz in the Emerald City.

Incorporating advanced metrics, the Kraken’s expected goals (xG) of 2.41 against Edmonton’s 2.67 suggests they outperformed their chances, a hallmark of resilient teams. Eberle’s on-ice expected goals for percentage of 58% underscores his positive influence. As the NHL season unfolds, these stats paint a picture of a maturing franchise ready to challenge the status quo.

Looking Ahead: Kraken’s Momentum Heads into Key Pacific Showdowns

With their franchise record now etched in stone at 5-2-2, the Seattle Kraken turn their sights to a grueling stretch of Pacific Division games that could define their season. Up next is a home-and-home series against the Vancouver Canucks starting Thursday, followed by clashes with the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames. These matchups will test whether the Kraken’s early success is sustainable against stiffer competition.

Coach Hakstol emphasized the importance of consistency: “We’re building something here, but the work doesn’t stop. Eberle’s leadership sets the tone, and we’ll need everyone stepping up.” For Eberle, the win adds personal motivation as he eyes his 1,000th NHL game milestone, potentially coming later this month. The Oilers, meanwhile, face the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, a chance to reset before their own divisional battles.

As the NHL landscape shifts, the Kraken’s rise could reshape the Pacific, pressuring teams like Edmonton to accelerate their turnaround. Fans in Seattle are dreaming big—playoff contention isn’t out of reach if this franchise-best start holds. With Eberle leading the charge, the Kraken are proving that underdogs can roar, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in their young history.