Skip to main content

You make this possible. Support our independent, nonprofit newsroom today.

Give Now

Seattle Kraken squeeze Nashville Predators for first NHL franchise win

caption: A flag with the new logo for the newly-named Seattle NHL team, the Seattle Kraken, flies atop the iconic Space Needle Thursday, July 23, 2020, in Seattle.
Enlarge Icon
A flag with the new logo for the newly-named Seattle NHL team, the Seattle Kraken, flies atop the iconic Space Needle Thursday, July 23, 2020, in Seattle.
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson

Consider the Kraken released.

The Seattle Kraken notched their first official National Hockey League win last night when they put the squeeze on the Nashville Predators.

The NHL's newest team pulled off a 4-3 victory. Former Pittsburg Penguin Brandon Tanev put up two points himself, including the game-winning shot.

Head coach Dave Hakstol doled out praise in the locker room after.

RELATED: Climate Pledge Arena goes on offense with sustainability goals

He thanked the entire crew for showing up and doing their part to make the match one for the record books: "What we wanted, fellas: first win in franchise history."

Team captain Mark Giordano got the game puck.

"Boys, this should go on the wall at our rink somewhere. First one ever," Giordano said. "We'll get something else for the hero of the game. I'm thinking Pirates of the Caribbean top hat is suiting for our team."

The Kraken take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in Ohio Saturday at 4 p.m.

The Kraken's first home game will be on October 23, when the Vancouver Canucks enter the lair better known as Climate Pledge Arena.

Crews are still putting the finishing touches on the new arena. The last of more than 17,000 seats need to be installed.

So if you've bought season tickets but haven't been able to confirm your seat assignment, that could be why.

Fear not the wrath of the Kraken, though: Managers say those details should be worked out over the weekend.

The Seattle Storm will also play in Climate Pledge Arena next season.

caption: Workers finish concrete and plant landscaping around Climate Pledge Arena on Friday, October 8, 2021.
Enlarge Icon
Workers finish concrete and plant landscaping around Climate Pledge Arena on Friday, October 8, 2021.
KUOW Photo/Joshua McNichols
Why you can trust KUOW