What's Happening?
Matty Beniers played a pivotal role in the Seattle Kraken's 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators by scoring two goals during the first period. The game, held on January 1, 2026, in Seattle, saw the Kraken take
an early lead with Beniers scoring at the 3:48 mark. Jamie Oleksiak extended the lead with a second goal, followed by Beniers' second goal just 10 seconds later, making it 3-0. Roman Josi scored the only goal for the Predators during a power-play late in the second period. The Kraken's Jared McCann sealed the win with a long-distance empty-net goal. Philipp Grubauer contributed significantly to the Kraken's defense with 24 saves, while Juuse Saros made 19 saves for the Predators.
Why It's Important?
This victory marks the Seattle Kraken's fifth win in their last six games, indicating a strong comeback after a challenging period where they lost 10 out of 11 games. The performance of Matty Beniers, a key player for the Kraken, highlights his growing influence and potential in the NHL. The win boosts the team's morale and standings, potentially impacting their playoff prospects. For the Nashville Predators, the loss underscores the need to address defensive weaknesses and improve their performance in upcoming games to maintain competitiveness in the league.
What's Next?
The Seattle Kraken are set to play against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night, while the Nashville Predators will face the Calgary Flames on Saturday. Both teams will be looking to adjust their strategies based on the outcomes of this game. The Kraken will aim to maintain their winning momentum, while the Predators will focus on regrouping and addressing their defensive lapses to secure a win in their next matchup.
