The Seattle Kraken continued their late-season push toward the postseason with an impressive offensive performance Sunday night, defeating the Florida Panthers 6–2 and moving into the Western Conference’s second wild-card spot.
Newly acquired forward Bobby McMann continued his hot start with Seattle, scoring a power-play goal and adding an assist in just his second game with the club. McMann, who was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the NHL trade deadline, now has three goals and two assists in his first two appearances for the Kraken. His debut came Saturday in Vancouver, when he posted two goals and an assist in a 5–2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
McMann’s arrival in Seattle was briefly delayed by a visa issue that wasn’t resolved until Friday, but the forward has wasted no time making an impact. Against Florida, he notched his 22nd goal of the season and also assisted on a goal by defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. Oleksiak finished the night with a goal and two assists as Seattle’s offense rolled.
The Kraken spread the scoring around in a balanced attack. Ben Meyers, Berkly Catton, Ryan Winterton and Kaapo Kakko also found the back of the net for Seattle. Goaltender Joey Daccord turned aside 23 shots, helping the Kraken secure their second straight victory and strengthen their playoff position.
Seattle has not reached the postseason since the 2022–23 campaign, but the win helped keep them firmly in the hunt as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Meanwhile, Florida’s playoff hopes continue to fade. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions now find themselves in danger of missing the postseason entirely, which would make them the first defending champion to miss the playoffs the following season since the Los Angeles Kings in 2014–15. The Panthers currently sit 11 points out of the Eastern Conference’s final wild-card position.
Florida received goals from Vinnie Hinostroza and Eetu Luostarinen, but the Panthers struggled to slow Seattle’s attack throughout the night. Goaltender Daniil Tarasov made 19 saves in the loss.
Florida continues its road trip Tuesday night when it visits the Vancouver Canucks, while Seattle returns home to host the Tampa Bay Lightning as the Kraken look to maintain their momentum in the Western Conference playoff race.
