Seattle Kraken Extend Franchise-Best Start with Jordan Eberle’s Double in 3-2 Thriller Over Edmonton Oilers

In a nail-biting showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, Jordan Eberle delivered a masterful performance with two goals, propelling the Seattle Kraken to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night at Climate Pledge Arena. This win catapults the Kraken to a franchise-record 5-2-2 start, marking their best opening to an NHL season since joining the league in 2021 and signaling serious playoff aspirations early in the campaign.

The matchup pitted the surging Kraken against a star-studded Oilers squad led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but Seattle’s disciplined play and timely scoring overshadowed Edmonton’s offensive firepower. Eberle’s brace not only highlighted his resurgence but also underscored the team’s depth, as they outshot the Oilers 32-28 and killed off all three power plays faced. As the Kraken celebrate this milestone, questions swirl about whether this hot streak can propel them into the Western Conference elite.

Eberle’s Timely Strikes Ignite Kraken Offense

Jordan Eberle, the veteran forward who returned to the NHL spotlight after a stint with the New York Islanders, proved to be the hero of the night. His first goal came at the 12:45 mark of the second period, a deflection off a shot from Vince Dunn that slipped past Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner. It was a moment of pure opportunism, showcasing Eberle’s hockey IQ and positioning in the slot.

But Eberle wasn’t done. In the third period, with the score tied at 2-2, he struck again at 8:22, roofing a backhand on a breakaway assisted by Matty Beniers. This goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, energized the home crowd and shifted momentum decisively. “It’s all about capitalizing on chances,” Eberle said post-game, his voice steady amid the roar of applause. “We’ve got a group that’s buying in, and tonight, it paid off.”

Eberle’s performance is no fluke. Signed to a two-year deal with Seattle before the 2023-24 season, the 34-year-old has been a steady presence on the top line. His goals against Edmonton pushed his point total to six in nine games, a pace that recalls his 2010s heyday with the Oilers—ironically, his former team. This reunion added extra spice, as Eberle faced boos from Edmonton fans early but silenced them with his output.

Supporting Eberle was a balanced Kraken attack. Jared McCann added the third goal late in the first period, a wrist shot from the circle that beat Skinner glove-side. McCann’s tally, his third of the year, came during a frantic sequence where Seattle generated 14 shots on net in the opening frame alone. The Kraken’s power play, though 0-for-3, showed promise with sustained pressure, converting 85% of their faceoffs in the offensive zone according to NHL stats.

Kraken Defense Stifles Oilers’ Star Power

While Eberle’s offense stole the headlines, it was the Kraken’s blue line that truly anchored the win. Goaltender Joey Daccord stopped 26 of 28 shots, including a sprawling pad save on McDavid during a 2-on-1 in the second period. Daccord’s .929 save percentage through nine games now ranks among the top-10 in the NHL, a far cry from his backup role last season.

Defensemen like Adam Larsson and Jamie Oleksiak were instrumental in containing Edmonton’s dynamic duo. McDavid, the league’s reigning MVP, managed only an assist on Zach Hyman’s first-period goal, finishing with three shots but zero goals—a rarity for the speedster. Draisaitl, held to two shots, expressed frustration post-game: “We had our looks, but their D was physical and smart. Credit to them.”

The Oilers struck first at 6:18 of the opening period when Hyman tipped home a point shot from Evan Bouchard, tying the game at 1-1 shortly after McCann’s score. Edmonton equalized again in the second when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins buried a one-timer off a McDavid feed at 15:32. Yet, Seattle’s penalty kill unit, ranked third in the league at 88.9%, neutralized Edmonton’s potent power play, which entered the game converting at 28.6%.

Statistically, the Kraken dominated puck possession, winning 52% of battles along the boards and generating 12 high-danger chances to Edmonton’s 9, per Natural Stat Trick data. This defensive resilience has been a hallmark of their franchise-record start, allowing just 2.22 goals per game—the lowest among Pacific Division teams.

Franchise Record Signals Shift in Seattle’s NHL Trajectory

The 3-2 triumph isn’t just another W for the Kraken; it’s a brick in the foundation of what could be their most successful season yet. At 5-2-2, Seattle surpasses their previous best opening of 4-3-1 from 2022-23, when they made a surprising run to the second round of the playoffs. This early franchise record has the Pacific Division buzzing, with the Kraken now tied for third in the conference standings, just four points behind the leading Vancouver Canucks.

Founded in 2021 as the NHL’s 32nd team, the Kraken have endured growing pains, finishing last in the division in their inaugural year with a 27-49-6 record. But under head coach Dave Hakstol, who’s in his third season, the team has evolved. Hakstol’s system emphasizes forechecking and neutral-zone traps, which frustrated Edmonton’s transition game Tuesday. “We’re playing with identity now,” Hakstol noted in his presser. “This group is resilient, and tonight showed why we’re ahead of schedule.”

Key to this surge is roster stability. Veterans like Eberle and Jaden Schwartz provide leadership, while young stars such as Matty Beniers (2022 Calder Trophy winner) and Shane Wright are hitting stride. Beniers assisted on both of Eberle’s goals, accumulating eight points in nine games. The Kraken’s prospect pipeline, bolstered by savvy drafts, adds depth: Oliver Bjorkstrand leads the team with five goals, and the fourth line contributed two hits and a blocked shot in the win.

Off the ice, Seattle’s fanbase is electric. Climate Pledge Arena, with its sustainable design and NHL-record attendance averages of 17,151, sold out for the Oilers game. Merchandise sales for Eberle jerseys spiked 40% post-game, according to team sources, reflecting the city’s growing hockey fever. This franchise record isn’t just numbers—it’s a cultural milestone for a market once dominated by the Mariners and Seahawks.

Oilers Stumble Amid Early Season Woes

For the Edmonton Oilers, the loss drops them to 3-4-1, a disappointing start for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. Despite boasting the NHL’s highest-scoring offense last season (3.65 goals per game), they’ve managed only 2.75 through eight contests this year. McDavid’s frustration was palpable, as he skated end-to-end shifts but couldn’t break through Seattle’s trap.

Goaltender Stuart Skinner, who faced 32 shots, took the blame: “I let in three; that’s on me. We need to tighten up defensively.” Edmonton’s penalty kill faltered slightly, allowing a shorthanded chance in the third, and their power play went 1-for-5. Coach Kris Knoblauch, in his second year, emphasized adjustments: “We’re a work in progress. Losses like this highlight areas to improve.”

Historically, the Oilers have struggled in Seattle since the Kraken’s inception, now 0-2-1 there. This matchup renews a Pacific rivalry, with Edmonton seeking revenge after a 4-2 loss to Seattle last April. As the Oilers regroup, their next test is a home stand against Central Division foes, where they must rediscover the form that won them the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023.

Broader NHL context adds intrigue: The league’s salary cap crunch has forced teams like Edmonton to rely on stars, while Seattle’s cap space ($12 million available) allows flexibility. Analysts from The Athletic predict the Kraken could finish top-6 in the West if they maintain this pace, potentially facing Edmonton in a wildcard spot.

Looking Ahead: Kraken’s Road to Playoff Glory

With this franchise-record win in the books, the Kraken eye a pivotal stretch. They host the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, a rematch of their 2023 playoff foes, before a California road trip against the Ducks, Kings, and Sharks. Success here could solidify their standing, especially with injuries sidelining only depth players like Justin Schultz.

Eberle’s hot hand bodes well; if he sustains his production, paired with Daccord’s goaltending, Seattle could challenge for the Pacific title. League-wide, the NHL’s parity means every point counts—the Kraken’s +3 goal differential ranks seventh, positioning them for a wild card berth at minimum.

Fans and pundits alike are optimistic. NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes tweeted post-game: “Kraken are the story of the West. Eberle owning his old squad? Chef’s kiss.” As the season unfolds, Seattle’s early dominance suggests they’re not just surviving—they’re thriving, ready to etch their name deeper into NHL lore. The franchise record is just the beginning; playoff contention feels within reach if they keep this momentum rolling.

In the ever-competitive NHL landscape, where dynasties rise and fall, the Kraken’s ascent offers hope to expansion teams everywhere. Their blend of grit, skill, and strategy has transformed a novice franchise into a contender, one thrilling win at a time.