Game Recap: Seattle Kraken vs. St. Louis Blues – Game 4
In a thrilling Game 4 showdown, the Seattle Kraken edged the St. Louis Blues with a 4-3 overtime victory, taking a 3-1 series lead. This win puts the Kraken on the brink of advancing to the second round of the playoffs, putting pressure squarely on the Blues as they seek to stave off elimination.
How the Game Unfolded
The night began with palpable tension as both teams fought for an early advantage. The Kraken struck first with a power-play goal from Matty Beniers just four minutes into the game, sending their fans into a frenzy. The Blues responded quickly, though, with Vladimir Tarasenko firing one past goaltender Philipp Grubauer, tying the game at one just moments later.
Seattle regained the momentum in the second period, taking a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Yanni Gourde and Jordan Eberle. Each goal showcased the Kraken’s depth and skill, with Eberle’s effort being a particularly impressive snap shot from the left circle that left Blues goalie Jordan Binnington with little chance.
However, St. Louis wasn’t ready to go down without a fight. They clawed back into the game in the third period. With the Kraken seemingly in control, a key power play allowed Robert Thomas to score, bringing the Blues within one. Just minutes later, Ryan O’Reilly tied it, sending the game into overtime with a resilient push that demonstrated St. Louis’s fighting spirit.
Turning Points and Key Sequences
The overtime frame was marked by intensity and near-misses from both sides. The Kraken almost ended it early, but Binnington made several crucial saves to keep St. Louis in the game. However, the decisive moment came when young forward Dylan Holloway, back in the lineup after an injury, found the back of the net, sealing the win for Seattle. His goal not only showcased his skill but also highlighted the depth of the Kraken roster, particularly under playoff pressure.
Coaching decisions played a critical role in this matchup. Seattle’s head coach, Dave Hakstol, continued to utilize a balanced approach, allowing his forwards to cycle through lines effectively. Meanwhile, Blues coach Craig Berube’s attempts to shuffle lines during critical moments didn’t seem to pay off as they struggled to maintain consistency down the stretch.
Standout Performances
Matty Beniers was undoubtedly one of the standout performers of the night. His early power-play goal energized the Kraken and set the tone for their offensive push. Meanwhile, Philipp Grubauer showcased his playoff credentials with several key saves, especially during the desperate third-period pushes from the Blues.
On the other side, Jordan Binnington’s performance was commendable despite the loss. He kept the Blues in contention with stellar saves, particularly during overtime, demonstrating that he remains a formidable presence in net, even under pressure. The collective effort from Thomas and O’Reilly highlighted their veteran leadership, proving essential in orchestrating the Blues’ comeback.
Series or Playoff Context
With this victory, the Kraken now lead the series 3-1, putting them on the verge of their first playoff series win in franchise history. The loss adds significant pressure on the Blues as they must win their next game to stay alive in the postseason, a daunting challenge now facing them. The Kraken’s ability to dictate the pace of the game also gives them a critical edge moving forward, especially as they enter their own home arena for Game 5.
Home-ice advantage shifts back to Seattle with this win, creating an electric atmosphere as they look to close out the series. The shift in pressure dynamics is palpable; the Kraken can now play with a sense of freedom while the Blues are confronted with the looming reality of elimination.
What Comes Next
Game 5 is set for Wednesday night at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. All eyes will be on how the Blues adjust to overcome their recent shortcomings and whether they can harness the urgency of their situation. Coaching strategies will be scrutinized, particularly regarding line match-ups and special team strategies, as both teams will aim to exploit any weaknesses.
As fans gear up for the next pivotal game, one question lingers: What adjustment should the losing side focus on before Game 5?
