The Seattle Kraken desperately needed a spark to reignite their season, and they found it in the form of defenseman Brandon Montour. In a high-stakes clash at Benchmark International Arena on Thursday night, Montour delivered a multi-goal performance to lead the Seattle Kraken to a hard-fought 4-3 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The win was a critical turning point for Seattle, effectively snapping a frustrating four-game losing streak. For the Lightning, the loss ended a productive run, though they managed to salvage a point to extend their recent streak to 4-0-2 over their last six games. However, the night belonged to Montour, whose offensive instincts from the blue line proved to be the difference-maker in a game defined by momentum swings.
Brandon Montour Delivers in the Clutch
With the game tied 3-3 heading into the extra frame, the tension was palpable. At the 2:47 mark of overtime, Brandon Montour secured the second point for Seattle. The play developed when young forward Shane Wright picked up the puck and found Montour in stride. Showing the poise of a veteran, Montour beat Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy to seal the 4-3 win.
This wasn't just any regular-season victory; it was a statement for a Kraken team trying to maintain its footing in the Western Conference playoff race. Montour’s overtime heroics were the culmination of a night where he was active in all three zones, finishing with two goals and providing the leadership the Kraken’s defensive corps needed against a potent Tampa Bay offense.
A Fast-Paced Opening Frame
The game started with both teams testing the waters before the offenses took over late in the first period. Brandon Montour opened the scoring with 4:42 remaining in the first. After receiving a crisp pass from Freddy Gaudreau, Montour navigated around the Lightning defense and executed a clinical backhand shot that went up and over Vasilevskiy’s shoulder.
The lead was short-lived, however. Less than two minutes later, Anthony Cirelli pulled the Lightning even, capitalizing on a quick transition play. But Seattle refused to head into the locker room tied. With just 1:48 left in the period, Chandler Stephenson showcased his playmaking ability, dodging a check from Emil Lilleberg to find Kaapo Kakko open in the slot. Kakko made no mistake, burying the puck to give Seattle a 2-1 lead after twenty minutes.
Lightning Strike Back in the Second
Seattle appeared to take full control early in the second period. Bobby McMann continued his hot streak, scoring his sixth goal in the last seven games at the 3:35 mark to extend the Kraken lead to 3-1. Kaapo Kakko and Adam Larsson were credited with the assists on the play, which seemed to put Tampa Bay on their heels.
The veteran-laden Lightning squad did not fold. Jake Guentzel sparked the comeback with a breakaway goal at 5:56, narrowing the gap to one. Midway through the period, the Lightning’s power play—one of the most dangerous in the league—went to work. Corey Perry found space in the slot and fired a shot past Philipp Grubauer to level the score at 3-3. Nikita Kucherov and Guentzel provided the helpers on the equalizer, shifting the momentum back to the home side.
Grubauer Stands Tall in the Crease
While Montour provided the offensive fireworks, the victory would not have been possible without the steady play of Philipp Grubauer. The Kraken netminder was under siege for much of the night, especially during a third period where Tampa Bay pushed hard for a regulation winner. Grubauer finished the night with 30 saves, many of them coming in high-danger situations.
In contrast, Andrei Vasilevskiy had a uncharacteristically quiet but difficult night, facing only 19 shots and stopping 15. The discrepancy in shot volume—33 for Tampa Bay versus 19 for Seattle—highlights just how efficient the Kraken were with their opportunities and how vital Grubauer was in keeping the game within reach during the Lightning's surges.
Looking Ahead
The Kraken (32-29-10) will look to build on this momentum as they head to Buffalo to take on the Sabres this Saturday. For Seattle, every point is vital as they chase a wildcard spot in a crowded Western Conference. The Lightning (44-21-6) will remain at home to host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, looking to tighten up their defensive coverage after allowing four goals on fewer than 20 shots.
- Final Score: Seattle Kraken 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 3 (OT)
- Shots on Goal: TBL 33, SEA 19
- Power Plays: TBL 1/2, SEA 0/1
- Three Stars: 1. Brandon Montour (SEA), 2. Jake Guentzel (TBL), 3. Kaapo Kakko (SEA)
Sources & Original Reporting
