Quick Read
- The Seattle Kraken defeated the Boston Bruins 7-4 on January 6, 2026, at Climate Pledge Arena.
- The victory extended the Kraken’s winning streak to four consecutive games.
- Kraken goals were scored by Jared McCann, Kaapo Kakko, Berkly Catton (2), and Ben Meyers; David Pastrnak scored for the Bruins.
- Kraken players Kaapo Kakko, Eeli Tolvanen (Finland), and Philipp Grubauer (Germany) were named to their respective national Olympic rosters for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
- NHL players are returning to the Winter Olympics for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games.
SEATTLE — The ice at Climate Pledge Arena crackled with anticipation as the Seattle Kraken, riding a wave of momentum, prepared to face the formidable Boston Bruins on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. What unfolded was not merely a game, but a resounding statement: the Kraken, fueled by a scorching offensive display and a burgeoning sense of confidence, delivered a decisive 7-4 victory over the visiting Bruins. This triumph not only extended Seattle’s winning streak to four games but also showcased the prowess of players recently named to their respective national Olympic rosters, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already electric evening.
A High-Scoring Spectacle at Climate Pledge Arena
From the moment the puck dropped at 7 p.m. local time, it was clear this wouldn’t be a typical defensive battle. The Kraken, fresh off a dominant 5-1 win against the Calgary Flames just the night before, brought an aggressive, high-octane attack to the ice. Goals came from multiple sources, painting a picture of a team firing on all cylinders. Jared McCann netted Seattle’s third goal of the night, while Kaapo Kakko, Berkly Catton (who scored twice, including a powerplay goal), and Ben Meyers also found the back of the net. It was a true team effort, reflecting the depth that has become a hallmark of Seattle’s recent success.
The Bruins, despite their eventual loss, were not without their moments. Star forward David Pastrnak, who leads Boston with an impressive 46 points this season, notched a goal, reminding everyone of his undeniable talent. Morgan Geekie, another key Bruin with 41 points, also made his presence felt. However, Boston, coming off back-to-back wins against Edmonton and Vancouver after a challenging six-game losing skid, couldn’t match the Kraken’s relentless offensive pressure, ultimately succumbing to the seven-goal onslaught.
Beyond the Scoreboard: Goaltending, Streaks, and Head-to-Head Dynamics
While the scoreline suggests an offensive clinic, the underlying narrative included crucial performances in net and intriguing historical trends. For the Kraken, goaltending has been a significant factor in their recent surge. Philipp Grubauer, despite being outshot 42-28 in the previous game against Calgary, demonstrated exceptional resilience, boasting a .920 save percentage for the season and an impressive .970 over his last three starts, allowing just one goal in each. Joey Daccord, another key netminder, has also been stellar, with a .925 save percentage over his last seven games. Remarkably, Daccord has a lifetime .957 save percentage against his hometown Bruins, stopping 67 of 70 shots in two career games, a testament to his focused play against the team he grew up idolizing.
The Bruins’ netminder, Jeremy Swayman, entered the game with a 2-1-0 record against the Kraken and a .910 save percentage, having even shut them out in their last meeting in Boston in November 2024. However, even his best efforts couldn’t stem the tide of Seattle’s offensive explosion this time. The Kraken’s consistent ability to perform well against Boston is a peculiar but undeniable trend; they now hold a 2-1-1 all-time record against the Bruins at Climate Pledge Arena and a 4-3-1 overall record, defying expectations given Boston’s long-standing status as one of the NHL’s elite teams.
Kraken Stars Shine Bright, Set for Olympic Glory
Adding a captivating dimension to the Kraken’s season and this particular victory is the announcement of several players heading to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Kraken forwards Kaapo Kakko and Eeli Tolvanen have been named to Team Finland’s 25-man ice hockey roster, a significant honor for both. This marks Tolvanen’s second Olympic appearance, having previously scored nine points in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. He currently stands second on the Kraken in scoring with 25 points, including a team-leading 18 assists. Kakko, making his Olympic debut, has previously led Finland to gold medals in various international tournaments, despite missing ice time this season due to hand surgery and a lower-body injury.
“He’s having a good year, so I think that’s not a surprise,” Kakko remarked about Tolvanen’s selection, highlighting the camaraderie. Tolvanen reciprocated the sentiment, saying, “It’s cool that he’s going to be there and we can go through it together.” The Kraken’s representation doesn’t stop there; goaltender Philipp Grubauer will proudly represent Germany in net. These selections are particularly noteworthy as active NHL players are returning to the Olympics for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games, following absences in 2018 and 2022. The NHL will observe a break from February 5-25 for the tournament, allowing these stars to chase Olympic gold.
Strategic Plays and Roster Depth: The Kraken’s Winning Formula
The Kraken’s 7-4 victory wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was a testament to strategic execution and a surprisingly deep roster. While the team started the season ranked 27th offensively, their recent five-goal outing against Calgary and now seven goals against Boston demonstrate a significant upward trend. More impressively, Seattle boasts the ninth-best defense in the league, a crucial foundation for their high-flying offense. This defensive solidity, combined with opportunistic scoring, proved too much for a Bruins team that, while ranked 12th offensively, couldn’t break through Seattle’s structure.
Even the so-called ‘fourth line’ for Seattle has been making significant forward progress. The trio of Ben Meyers centering Ryan Winterton and Jacob Melanson has been instrumental, with Melanson riding a three-game point streak. The depth extends to players like Tye Kartye, a healthy scratch in recent games but a proven points producer at developmental levels, having been named AHL rookie of the year in 2022-2023. This blend of star power and reliable depth allows the Kraken to maintain pressure throughout the game, even against teams with the pedigree of the Bruins. The Bruins, having had more practice time in Climate Pledge Arena than the Kraken since their last game on Saturday, might have anticipated an advantage, but Seattle’s short rest seemed to ignite their competitive spirit.
The game was broadcast locally on KONG, with pre-game coverage starting at 6:30 p.m., bringing the action to local fans. KING 5 and KONG serve as the official local television partners for the Kraken, airing 73 of the team’s 82 regular-season games, alongside their weekly magazine show, Kraken Home Ice, which offers deep dives into team-focused feature stories and player interviews.
The Seattle Kraken’s emphatic 7-4 victory over the Boston Bruins marks a pivotal moment in their season, showcasing a team that is not only finding its offensive stride but also demonstrating remarkable resilience and depth. With key players earning Olympic berths, the morale within the Kraken locker room must be soaring, creating a powerful synergy that could propel them to new heights as the NHL season progresses. This win, against a historically strong opponent, firmly establishes Seattle as a force to be reckoned with, proving their ability to compete and dominate at the highest level.