SEATTLE KRAKEN SILENCE OILERS: KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM 4-1 PRESEASON WIN!
- Erica L. Ayala
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
The Seattle Kraken gave fans a reason to be excited with a commanding 4-1 preseason victory over the Edmonton Oilers. With Edmonton's dynamic duo, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, on the ice, this win wasn’t just another preseason game—it was a testament to the Kraken's defensive prowess and tactical adjustments.
Let’s dive into the highlights, key takeaways, and standout performances that defined this impressive outing.
A Strong Defensive Effort Led by Joey Daccord
Joey Daccord was a standout in net for the Kraken, facing a talented Oilers roster and coming out on top. “I thought we checked them really well,” said Daccord postgame.
He credited the defensive unit, particularly the young players, for stepping up against McDavid and Draisaitl. His ability to play the puck and set up teammates, including Matty Beniers on the power play, was a highlight of the game.
The Kraken’s defensive effort was evident in the numbers. They limited the Oilers to just one goal, out-blocked Edmonton 10-10, and shut down their power play opportunities, going a perfect 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.
This disciplined approach was a stark contrast to their performance in the prior game against Calgary.
Offensive Contributors Shine
On the offensive end, the Kraken showed aggression and efficiency. Jagger Firkus opened the scoring on the power play, rewarding coach Lane Lambert’s decision to give him more opportunities after a quieter game earlier in the week.
Other scorers included Logan Morrison, Ben Myers, and Jani Nyman, who sealed the game with an empty-net goal. Jaden Schwartz was another standout, displaying his veteran savvy and strong puck battles in the offensive zone.
Lane Lambert praised Schwartz, noting, “You don’t realize how good a guy is until you have him every day.” This game marked yet another example of Schwartz’s critical role in leading the Kraken’s offense.
Matty Beniers: Quietly Effective
Matty Beniers may not have had a flashy game, but his intelligent play didn’t go unnoticed. With one assist and solid defensive positioning, Beniers continues to showcase his maturity and understanding of the game. “I thought Matty was extremely responsible,” said Lambert, emphasizing his strong work ethic and ability to contribute in all three zones.
Beniers himself highlighted the team’s focus on defensive discipline as a key to their success. “A commitment to playing defense and getting pucks out of the zone so we can play fast and go play offense,” he explained, encapsulating the Kraken’s game plan.
Adjustments Make the Difference
The Kraken’s ability to adapt from a lackluster game against Calgary to this focused performance against Edmonton is a credit to Lambert and his coaching staff. There was a noticeable emphasis on net-front presence, quick transitions, and winning puck battles.
Lambert acknowledged the improvement, saying, “We had a good rebound game from what I consider wasn’t a very good performance last night.”
From practice drills to game-time execution, the Kraken are working on building a solid foundation. Lambert’s approach is rooted in strong defensive principles while emphasizing the need to attack and play with urgency—a recipe that could lead to success this season.
Standout Performers to Watch
Beyond the veterans, several younger players are making their case for a roster spot: - Yanni Neumann: His determination and consistent performances make him a strong candidate for the opening roster.
Tyson Jugnauth: Praised for his smart puck movement and regrouping abilities, Jugnauth showcased his potential as a reliable defenseman.
Oscar Fisker Molgaard: Continuing to impress, Molgaard’s versatility and determination have caught the attention of coaches and fans alike.
Jagger Firkus: After scoring a power play goal, Firkus is proving he can capitalize on opportunities, adding depth to the Kraken’s offense. The blend of experienced players like Schwartz and emerging talents like Firkus and Nyman provides a glimpse of the Kraken’s bright future. With injuries already affecting the roster, these young players could play pivotal roles as the season unfolds.
What’s Next for the Seattle Kraken?
As the preseason rolls on, the Kraken have shown promising signs of growth and adaptability. While it’s too early to predict regular-season success, their focus on fundamentals and commitment to improvement are encouraging. The team’s ability to rebound from a poor performance and execute a game plan against a strong Oilers lineup is a testament to their potential.
Seattle fans, what are your thoughts on the Kraken’s performance so far? Which players are you most excited to see this season? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
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Until next time, hold fast, stay true, and as always—let's go Kraken! 🦑
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