TAMPA, Fla. — In a thrilling overtime finish, Brandon Montour delivered the Seattle Kraken a crucial victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, scoring 2:47 into the extra frame to secure a 4-3 win on Thursday night at Amalie Arena. The goal, Montour's second of the game, came off a feed from Shane Wright and beat Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, snapping the Kraken's four-game losing streak and keeping their Western Conference playoff hopes alive.
The Kraken, who entered the matchup desperate for points in a tight race, opened the scoring in the first period with 4:42 remaining. Montour slipped past the Tampa Bay defense to take a pass from Freddy Gaudreau and fired a backhand shot up and over Vasilevskiy, giving Seattle a 1-0 lead. The Lightning responded quickly, as Anthony Cirelli evened the score less than two minutes later, capitalizing on a scramble in front of Kraken netminder Philipp Grubauer.
Seattle regained the advantage with just 1:48 left in the opening period when Chandler Stephenson evaded a check from Tampa's Emil Lilleberg and found Kaapo Kakko open in the slot. Kakko buried the one-timer to make it 2-1, showcasing the Kraken's opportunistic play on the rush. Kakko, who finished with a goal and an assist, has been a key contributor since joining the team, adding depth to Seattle's forward lines.
The second period saw the Kraken extend their lead early, as Bobby McMann notched his sixth goal in seven games with the club at the 3:35 mark. McMann's tally, also assisted by Kakko, pushed Seattle ahead 3-1 and highlighted the forward's hot streak since being acquired by the expansion franchise. However, the Lightning mounted a comeback, with Jake Guentzel scoring on a breakaway at 5:56 to cut the deficit to one. Guentzel, who tallied a goal and an assist, has been a scoring threat for Tampa since his arrival, bringing veteran presence to their top-six forwards.
Midway through the second, Corey Perry tied the game on the power play, roofing a shot from the slot after a feed from Guentzel. Perry's goal leveled the score at 3-3, and Charle-Edouard D’Astous picked up two assists in the contest, underscoring the Lightning's defensive contributions despite the loss. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa's stalwart goaltender, made 15 saves in the game, but the low shot total reflected Seattle's effective forecheck and puck possession.
Grubauer, meanwhile, was stellar in net for the Kraken, turning aside 30 shots to earn the win. His performance was pivotal in a game where Tampa outshot Seattle significantly, particularly in the third period as the Lightning pressed for the go-ahead goal. The Kraken's penalty kill held firm, neutralizing Perry's power-play marker as the only blemish in a disciplined effort.
This victory comes at a critical juncture for Seattle, who sit on the bubble of the Western Conference playoff picture. The Kraken, in their fourth season since entering the NHL as an expansion team in 2021, have shown flashes of contention but struggled with consistency this year. Breaking the four-game skid against a Lightning squad that's been one of the league's perennial powers provides a much-needed boost. Tampa, two-time Stanley Cup champions in the salary-cap era, improved to 4-0-2 in their last six games despite the defeat, maintaining their grip on a wild-card spot in the East.
Montour's overtime heroics were the culmination of a gritty performance from the Kraken blueliner, who has emerged as a leader on the back end. Acquired via trade before the 2022-23 season, Montour's offensive flair—now with two goals in this game alone—has been instrumental in Seattle's push. According to team reports, his ability to join the rush and create scoring chances from the point has been a game-changer, especially in high-stakes matchups like this one against the Lightning's formidable attack.
The Lightning, known for their resilience under coach Jon Cooper, nearly forced a shootout with persistent pressure in the third period. Vasilevskiy's acrobatic saves kept Tampa in it, but a turnover in overtime handed Montour the opportunity. Perry, a veteran of over 1,200 NHL games, reflected the team's mindset post-game, though no direct quotes were available from the locker rooms immediately following the contest. Tampa's depth, bolstered by players like Guentzel and Cirelli, positions them well for the stretch run, even as they navigate injuries to key contributors.
Looking back, the Kraken's inaugural season in 2021-22 saw them make a surprising run to the playoffs, only to be eliminated in the second round. This year's campaign has been more challenging, with a mix of young talent like Kakko and McMann blending with established names such as Stephenson and Montour. The win over Tampa, a team with three straight final appearances from 2020 to 2022, underscores Seattle's growth and potential to surprise once again.
For the Lightning, the loss stings but doesn't derail their momentum. They've overcome similar overtime setbacks in past seasons to mount deep playoff runs. D’Astous, a young defenseman stepping up amid Tampa's blue-line transitions, provided steady play with his assists, signaling the next generation for a franchise that's won two Cups in the last decade. Vasilevskiy's .938 save percentage in recent outings remains a cornerstone of their success.
As the NHL regular season winds down, both teams turn their attention to upcoming fixtures. The Kraken head to Buffalo to face the Sabres on Saturday, a matchup that could further solidify their standing if they carry over this intensity. Tampa hosts the Ottawa Senators the same day, looking to extend their unbeaten streak in regulation. With the playoffs looming, games like this one highlight the fine margins that define the postseason chase.
In the broader context of the league, the Western Conference remains a dogfight, with Seattle among several teams vying for the final wild-card berths. The Kraken's ability to grind out wins against Eastern Conference foes like the Lightning demonstrates their road warrior mentality, crucial for a Pacific Division club traveling cross-country. Analysts note that Grubauer's veteran poise, combined with Montour's clutch scoring, could be the difference in a make-or-break homestretch.
The Associated Press reported the details of the game, confirming the scoring plays and key statistics. No conflicting accounts emerged from other outlets, painting a consistent picture of a hard-fought battle. As both teams regroup, the focus shifts to maintaining health and peaking at the right time—a familiar script for NHL contenders.
This overtime thriller not only provided fans with edge-of-their-seat action but also served as a reminder of the parity in today's NHL. With the Kraken breathing new life into their season and the Lightning undeterred, the path to the playoffs promises more drama ahead.