The Seattle Kraken secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks at Climate Pledge Arena on March 15, 2024, thanks in large part to the standout performance of backup goalie Philipp Grubauer. Grubauer stepped in after starter Matt Murray exited the game with a lower-body injury late in the first period. He successfully defended all 19 shots he faced, helping the Kraken improve their record to 9-4-5, marking the best start to a season in the franchise’s history.
Jaden Schwartz opened the scoring for Seattle with his sixth goal of the season midway through the first period. The Kraken extended their lead in the second period with quick goals from Adam Larsson and Eeli Tolvanen, scored just 38 seconds apart. Schwartz sealed the victory with an empty-net goal from over 120 feet away late in the third period, following San Jose’s decision to pull their goalie during a power-play opportunity.
Grubauer’s performance was particularly notable as he replaced Murray, who left the ice after sustaining his injury during a power play when former Kraken player Alex Wennberg scored. Grubauer’s standout second period included 15 saves, thwarting several dangerous chances from the Sharks. Notable stops included saves against Ty Dellandrea, Will Smith, and William Eklund within the first two and a half minutes of the period.
The Kraken’s disciplined play contrasted sharply with their previous encounter against the Sharks, where they suffered a 6-1 defeat ten days prior. This time, they limited their penalties despite taking three in the final period, and their penalty kill unit effectively stifled San Jose’s efforts.
Grubauer’s performance was a significant achievement, as it was his first victory off the bench since March 2023 against Detroit. His contributions were complemented by assists from Chandler Stephenson and Jamie Oleksiak, who both recorded two assists during the game.
Looking ahead, the Kraken will embark on a four-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on March 19, 2024. Seattle will not return to home ice until November 26, when they host the Dallas Stars.
This victory concludes a successful three-game homestand for the Kraken, where they earned five out of a possible six points, showcasing their resilience and determination as they continue to build on their promising season.
