They did it. The Seattle Kraken defeated the Colorado Avalanche in Game Five last night to take a 3-2 series lead headed back to Seattle. The way Seattle has played in this series is something no one expected, which makes it that much more impressive to witness. I have a lot of thoughts on this game, so let’s get into it.
Three things that stood out from the Seattle Kraken’s game five win over the Colorado Avalanche
1. Tye Kartye’s first NHL Goal in His First Game Won Seattle This Game
It’s a rare feat for a player to score a goal in his first game, but it’s even more rare for a player to make his NHL debut in the playoffs and score a goal. Tye Kartye joined that list of players who have accomplished that, the first to do it since Cale Makar in 2019. Ironic, isn’t it?
His goal gave the Kraken a 2-1 lead and took the energy out of Ball Arena. Although Colorado would tie the game up shortly after, it was this moment you can look back on that gave Seattle what they needed. Being in the lineup on the top line for the injured Jared McCann, I don’t think Seattle could’ve asked for much more from him.
2. Colorado is missing Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog
Colorado ran into the same problem they’ve dealt with in every game they’ve lost in this series. They are solely relying on Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen to provide offense and no one else. It didn’t get much better last night, as Colorado was without Valeri Nichushkin as well.
A point that I have driven home constantly is the Avs need to get more production than just their three stars. Clearly, that hasn’t happened and is the reason why they now face elimination.
3. This victory should be enough for Seattle to close the series out Friday Night.
I might be jumping the gun here, but my opinion has completely flipped on this series in the last 24 hours. I think that Seattle is going to close out the series Friday night. The Seattle crowd is going to be absolutely nuts, and I think with this big win on the road will be enough.
Never count out the defending champs, but I think Seattle has this one.