Brandon Montour Shines as Kraken Dominate Sharks 6-2 with Four Goals in Second Period

In a thrilling showdown on Thursday night, the Seattle Kraken showcased their offensive prowess, overpowering the San Jose Sharks with a decisive 6-2 victory that had the home crowd buzzing with excitement. This game marked a significant turning point for Brandon Montour, a player who had gone 20 games without finding the back of the net. His performance in the second period, where he netted two crucial goals, helped propel the Kraken from a 1-1 tie to a commanding lead before the intermission.

Montour’s Moment

Brandon Montour’s much-anticipated scoring drought came to an end shortly after Oliver Bjorkstrand opened the scoring in the second period. Just 51 seconds later, Montour capitalized on a slick pass from Shane Wright to give the Kraken a 2-1 lead. His contributions were not only vital for the scoreboard but also lifted the team’s morale, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities night after night.

“We rely on him to make plays,” defenseman Vince Dunn remarked about Montour’s impact on the game. “For him to get a couple there, I’m sure that feels really good for him. By no means has he been struggling, especially playing 5-on-5.”

Karma on the Ice

The game also featured some intriguing twists of fate. After a San Jose goal late in the first period, Seattle responded with vengeance. Montour’s first goal was a direct counter to the Sharks’ equalizer, and the Kraken continued to build on that momentum, scoring three more goals in the early stages of the second period, including Montour’s second goal.

“It’s been a little cold the last 15, 20 games,” Montour acknowledged. “But you keep creating. You try to find other ways to help the team. It’s just nice to get a couple and hopefully more will come.”

Schwartz’s Breakaway

Adding to the excitement, Jaden Schwartz found himself in a position for redemption after a controversial hooking penalty. Just seconds after stepping out of the penalty box, Schwartz seized an opportunity for a breakaway, slipping a shot past Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov. This goal further emphasized the Kraken’s ability to capitalize on the momentum swings throughout the game.

A Physical Game

As the action heated up, so did the physicality on the ice. A significant brawl broke out shortly after Schwartz’s goal, with Dunn and Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun exchanging punches. Dunn later expressed the team’s desire to establish Climate Pledge Arena as a challenging venue for opponents, underscoring the importance of physical play in their strategy.

“Our home record has never been good enough,” Dunn stated. “We want to make this place a hard place to play in. That comes with attitude.”

Strategic Timeout

Coach Dan Bylsma took a strategic timeout when the Sharks put the Kraken on a 5-on-3 power play, allowing the team to regroup. Montour capitalized on this opportunity, scoring again with assists from Jared McCann and Chandler Stephenson, further solidifying the Kraken’s dominance in the game.

Grubauer’s New Chapter

Amidst the excitement of the game, the Kraken faced a somber moment with the news that goaltender Philipp Grubauer had been placed on waivers and subsequently assigned to the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Teammates expressed their disappointment, acknowledging Grubauer’s contributions and the collective responsibility of the team in navigating this transition.

“Seeing a teammate and a friend go through this is tough for everyone,” Bylsma remarked, emphasizing the team’s accountability. “This is ultimately a team game, and we all bear responsibility for the results.”

The Kraken’s victory not only offered a thrilling night of hockey but also served as a reminder of the resilience and determination that define the team as they navigate challenges on and off the ice.