Grubauer returns, Kraken beat Islanders 2-1 in shootout

NEW YORK (AP) — Tomas Tatar scored the lone goal in a shootout and the Seattle Kraken beat the New York Islanders 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Seattle Kraken 2, New York Islanders 1 (SO): Box score

Matty Beniers scored in regulation, Philipp Grubauer made 26 saves in his return from injury and the Kraken snapped a three-game losing streak.

Kyle Palmieri scored and Ilya Sorokin stopped 29 shots in New York’s second consecutive defeat.

Tatar used a series of dekes and a forehand shot to beat Sorokin. Islanders forwards Oliver Wahlstrom, Bo Horvat and former Seattle Thunderbirds star Mathew Barzal were all denied in the shootout.

“I kind of panicked, to be honest,” Tatar said about his shootout move. “I had one move in my head and I was looking for a spot, it wouldn’t get open and I had to switch it last second. Glad it worked out but like I said, it was more of a panic move.”

🗣️ TATARRRRRR!! pic.twitter.com/HZunuOnYjU

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) February 14, 2024

The Islanders were whistled for tripping in the offensive zone and Palmieri was sent to the penalty box at 3:11 of overtime. Jaden Schwartz negated the power play when he was penalized for slashing at 4:28.

Palmieri scored a power-play goal to even it 1-all at 14:37 of the second period. Barzal found his teammate all alone at the top of the crease and Palmieri extended his point streak to a career-high six games. New York defenseman Noah Dobson also assisted.

Sorokin stopped Brandon Tanev on a short-handed breakaway moments before Palmieri tied the game.

“I don’t think any one of us could be happy about this performance,” Islanders coach Patrick Roy said. “We missed that opportunity. There was no excuse for not playing a better hockey game than what we did.”

Beniers gave the Kraken a 1-0 lead at 5:27 of the opening period when he beat Sorokin on the blocker side. Jared McCann got the primary assist.

“I don’t think our battle level and compete were there the past few nights,” Beniers said. “That’s been our identity since the beginning. The big emphasis on tonight was, we’re not going to get outworked, we’re not going to get outbattled.”

in his revenge era 💅 pic.twitter.com/FWrnx2CrtV

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) February 14, 2024

Grubauer started his first game since Dec. 9. The Seattle netminder sustained a lower-body injury against Minnesota and was activated off injured reserve earlier this week. He dressed as the backup the past few games.

“Really solid tonight,” Kraken coach Dave Hakstol said of his goaltender. “He did a nice job, being real settled, calm in net. First 10-15 minutes of the hockey game, guys did a nice job in front of him, allowed him to see some shots. … That’s a nice win for him coming back.”

STADIUM SERIES LEGACY PROJECT

The Islanders, Islanders Children’s Foundation and NHL announced a multiyear commitment to various forms of adaptive hockey. The Special Olympics New York, Long Island Rough Riders (sled hockey) and Long Island Blues (special hockey) received funding, with the latter two organizations also getting ice time at The Park at UBS Arena.

UP NEXT

Seattle Kraken: Complete a four-game trip Thursday against Boston.

New York Islanders: Host the rival New York Rangers outdoors Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as part of the 2024 Stadium Series.

Monday: Seattle Kraken drop third straight with 3-1 loss to Devils