In a resounding display of skill, Seattle Kraken’s goaltender Philipp Grubauer earned his first shutout of the season, blocking 33 shots to lead the Kraken to a 2-0 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night.
The night was marked by Grubauer’s exceptional performance, contributing to his 21st regular-season shutout. His efforts have kept the Kraken’s hopes alive in the Western Conference wild-card contention as the trade deadline approaches.
Meanwhile, the Penguins saw their three-game winning streak halted. They remain behind in their division race and the fight for a wild-card spot despite having games in hand where they could potentially regain lost ground. The loss to the Kraken halted the momentum they had built following an optimistic overtime win previously in the week.
Grubauer shone in the spotlight once again following a strong showing against Boston, and he faced immediate pressure from the Penguins, withstanding 18 shots in the first period alone. This included a critical save against Jeff Carter, who celebrated his 1,300th career game milestone.
Remaining steady in the second period, Grubauer made another significant save on Jansen Harkins, and the Kraken’s defense clamped down in the third period, allowing Pittsburgh only five shots in the last 20 minutes. This shutout was Pittsburgh’s third of the current season.
On the offensive front, Oliver Bjorkstrand netted his 15th goal of the season during the first period, and Alex Wennberg scored during a power play in the third, marking his ninth goal. Tristan Jarry, the goaltender for Pittsburgh, made 26 saves.
What’s Next?
The Penguins will continue their journey, facing Calgary on Saturday, while the Kraken are set to host Edmonton the same day.
Further Information
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FAQ – Philipp Grubauer’s Shutout and Kraken’s Win
- How many saves did Philipp Grubauer make to secure his first shutout of the season?
- Philipp Grubauer made 33 saves to secure his first shutout of the season.
- Who scored the goals for the Seattle Kraken?
- Oliver Bjorkstrand and Alex Wennberg scored the goals for the Kraken.
- What is the significance of this win for the Kraken?
- This win is significant as it keeps the Kraken in contention for the Western Conference wild-card spot as the trade deadline approaches.
- What milestone did Jeff Carter achieve during the game?
- Jeff Carter skated in his 1,300th career game, a significant milestone as he becomes the sixth active player to reach this number.
- What are the upcoming games for the Penguins and the Kraken?
- The Penguins will face Calgary next, and the Kraken will host Edmonton, both games scheduled for Saturday.
Conclusion
Philipp Grubauer’s standout performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins underscored his abilities as a goaltender and contributed to a significant victory for the Seattle Kraken. With a first shutout of the season under his belt, Grubauer has highlighted the Kraken’s resilience and potential in the NHL. The team’s recent string of successes offers hope to fans and players alike as they continue to push for a spot in the playoffs amidst the intense Western Conference wild-card race.