The Vancouver Canucks continued their dominance over the Seattle Kraken, defeating them 5-1 on Thursday night at Climate Pledge Arena. The Canucks have won all three meetings against their Pacific Division rivals this season, outscoring them 15-5.
Canucks score early and often
The Canucks wasted no time in getting on the board, as Teddy Blueger scored his first goal of the season on a short-handed breakaway just 1:32 into the game. Blueger beat Kraken goalie Chris Driedger with a backhand shot after stealing the puck from Jaden Schwartz at the blue line.
The Canucks added two more goals in the first period, both on the power play. Brock Boeser scored his seventh of the season at 8:23, deflecting a shot by Quinn Hughes past Driedger. Elias Pettersson made it 3-0 at 15:51, snapping a shot from the left circle that went through Driedger’s legs.
The Kraken replaced Driedger with Philipp Grubauer to start the second period, but it did not stop the Canucks’ onslaught. Bo Horvat scored his ninth of the season at 4:12, tapping in a rebound after a shot by Conor Garland. Jason Dickinson scored his second of the season at 12:36, finishing a nice passing play with Tanner Pearson and Tyler Motte.
Kraken avoid shutout, but lose fourth straight
The Kraken finally got on the board at 14:54 of the second period, when Morgan Geekie scored his fifth of the season on a power play. Geekie tipped a shot by Jamie Oleksiak that beat Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko, who made 29 saves in the game.
The Kraken could not generate any more offense, as the Canucks shut them down in the third period. The Canucks outshot the Kraken 34-30 in the game and went 2-for-4 on the power play. The Kraken went 1-for-5 on the power play, and have scored only six goals in their last four games, all losses.
Canucks extend winning streak, climb in standings
The Canucks have won four straight games, their longest winning streak of the season. They have improved their record to 13-6-1, and are tied with the Los Angeles Kings for second place in the Pacific Division with 27 points. The Canucks have also won six of their last seven road games, and are 8-3-0 away from home this season.
The Kraken have lost four straight games, their longest losing streak of the season. They have dropped their record to 8-8-5, and are fifth in the Pacific Division with 21 points. The Kraken have also lost three of their last four home games, and are 4-4-2 at Climate Pledge Arena this season.
The Canucks and the Kraken will meet again on Saturday, November 25, in Vancouver. The Canucks will look to sweep the season series, while the Kraken will try to snap their skid and earn their first win against their new rivals.
