Kraken Rally Past Golden Knights In Shootout As Catton Leads Comeback

Angelo Apuli
5 Min Read
Apr 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Frederick  Gaudreau (89) battles Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin (15), left, forward Mark Stone (61) and defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) for the puck during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

The Seattle Kraken ended a six-game losing streak with a 4-3 shootout win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night. Berkly Catton scored in regulation and added the deciding goal in the shootout, helping Seattle recover from a multi-goal deficit.

The result marked only Seattle’s second win in its last 12 games. It also halted Vegas’ four-game winning streak, which had come under new head coach John Tortorella. The game featured sharp momentum swings and required a late push from the Kraken to secure the result.

Vegas Builds Early Advantage

Vegas controlled much of the early play and built a lead through efficient scoring. Mark Stone opened the scoring late in the first period, finding space and finishing a clean opportunity to put the Golden Knights ahead 1-0.

Stone added to the lead early in the second period. He converted on the power play just 55 seconds after the restart, extending the advantage to 2-0. Vegas moved the puck effectively during the sequence and capitalized on its opportunity.

Seattle struggled to generate offense during that stretch. The Kraken had difficulty establishing sustained pressure and spent extended time defending.

Kraken Find Momentum Late In Second

Seattle began to shift the pace late in the second period. Jared McCann scored on the power play to put the Kraken on the board. The goal ended a prolonged drought, as Seattle had gone 0-for-17 on the power play since March 21.

McCann’s goal also marked his 20th of the season. He has now reached that milestone in each of his five seasons with Seattle. The timing of the goal helped the Kraken carry momentum into the third period.

Despite that progress, Vegas restored a two-goal cushion early in the third. Brett Howden scored just over a minute into the period, finishing a rush to make it 3-1.

Seattle Responds In Third Period

Seattle answered quickly and showed more urgency after falling behind again. Berkly Catton cut the deficit early in the third period, finishing a scoring chance that shifted momentum toward the Kraken.

The equalizer came later in the period. Bobby McMann scored his 28th goal of the season, tying the game at 3-3. The play reflected improved puck movement and better positioning in the offensive zone.

The Kraken tightened their defense after tying the score. They limited Vegas’ chances and forced the game into overtime.

Daccord Provides Stability

Joey Daccord delivered a strong performance in goal. He stopped 31 shots and kept Seattle within reach during Vegas’ dominant stretches. His saves in the first and second periods proved important, as they prevented the game from slipping out of reach.

Seattle made adjustments in the third period, reducing turnovers and improving puck control. Those changes allowed the team to sustain pressure and create more scoring opportunities.

Catton Decides Shootout

Neither team scored in overtime, sending the game to a shootout. Berkly Catton delivered the decisive moment, converting his attempt to secure the win for Seattle.

His performance stood out across the game. He contributed a key goal in regulation and showed composure in the shootout.

Off-Ice Changes And Lineup Adjustments

Seattle entered the game following a significant organizational change. The team and the president of hockey operations, Ron Francis, parted ways earlier in the week. CEO Tod Leiweke addressed the move before the game, as the franchise evaluates its direction.

The Kraken also managed changes in their lineup. They recalled goaltender Nikke Kokko on an emergency basis ahead of the game. Matt Murray remained away from the team due to a family matter.

Momentum Shift For Both Teams

The win gave Seattle a needed reset after a difficult stretch. The Kraken had struggled to close games during their losing streak, but they showed improved execution in this matchup.

Vegas’ recent run came to an end. The Golden Knights had built momentum under Tortorella, but could not hold a two-goal lead in this game.

Next Games

Vegas will travel to Colorado for its next game, looking to regain momentum. Seattle will remain at home to face Calgary as it aims to build on this result.

The Kraken’s comeback reflected a more controlled approach in the final period. The Golden Knights will look to respond after losing ground in a game they led for much of the night.

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