Blues Surge Past Kraken in Game 4: Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead
In a crucial Game 4 of the Western Conference playoff series, the St. Louis Blues defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1. With this victory, the Blues now lead the best-of-seven series 3-1, putting them just one win away from advancing to the next round.
How the Game Unfolded
From the drop of the puck, both teams exhibited a blend of speed and intensity that is characteristic of playoff hockey. The first period saw both goaltenders, Jordan Binnington for the Blues and Philipp Grubauer for the Kraken, rise to the challenge with crucial saves.
St. Louis struck first with a goal from Brayden Schenn about halfway through the period. The Blues maintained pressure, capturing momentum as they tested Grubauer repeatedly. But the Kraken didn’t fade away; they equalized early in the second period with a power-play goal from Jared McCann, sending a jolt of hope through their fans.
However, the momentum shifted once again when the Blues executed a swift counterattack, leading to a goal by Ryan O’Reilly that restored their lead. The rest of the second frame saw more scoring opportunities, including a crucial penalty kill by St. Louis that stifled any potential Kraken uprising.
Turning Points and Key Sequences
One of the defining moments of the game arrived late in the second period. After Seattle had gained some steam post-tying goal, St. Louis’s penalty kill turned the tide. As the Kraken pressed hard, the Blues were relentless, blocking shots and maintaining their structure. This helped shift the momentum back to the home team.
Midway through the third period, defenseman Ryan Suter delivered a dagger, scoring a stunning goal that extended the Blues’ lead to 4-1. This goal not only served as a major blow to Seattle’s confidence but also showcased St. Louis’s ability to capitalize on the right moments.
Coach Craig Berube’s decision to bench struggling forward Pavel Buchnevich paid off, as the adjusted lineup brought fresh energy. The coaching gambit was both strategic and bold, emphasizing the high-stakes environment of playoff hockey.
Standout Performances
Jordan Binnington was instrumental in the Blues’ victory, stopping 31 of 32 shots against a Kraken squad that has shown they can be relentless. His composure under pressure was key, as he made several highlight-reel saves that kept the momentum swinging in St. Louis’s favor.
Ryan O’Reilly stood out offensively, not only scoring a pivotal goal but also providing both physicality and leadership throughout the game. Schenn’s early goal set a tone that the team rode through the matchup, while Suter’s crucial late goal encapsulated what was a potent night for the Blues’ forwards.
On the Seattle side, Grubauer faced a barrage of shots throughout the game and though he allowed four goals, several were prompted by quick, decisive plays. Washout by individual brilliance, McCann’s goal exemplified the Kraken’s willingness to fight back.
Series or Playoff Context
The Blues now have a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. This shift puts considerable pressure on the Kraken, who face the prospect of elimination in the next game. Home-ice advantage is firmly with the Blues as they head to Game 5, and their ability to close out a playoff series has historically been strong within this environment.
The dynamics of the series have changed markedly. Seattle must now strategize for a must-win situation, putting their backs against the wall and forcing them to find solutions to break through a stout Blues defense.
What Comes Next
Game 5 is set for this coming Friday at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The Kraken will need to focus on tightening their defensive play while also making adjustments to capitalize on scoring opportunities. They need to find a way to break the rhythm of the Blues, who have demonstrated a formidable counterpunch.
Tactical matchups to watch will include how the Blues continue to execute their forechecking and whether the Kraken can break their penalty-kill reliance for success.
What adjustment should the losing side focus on before Game 5?
