### Seattle Kraken Triumph in Thrilling Shootout Against St. Louis Blues The Seattle Kraken secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues in a shootout on April 12, 2025. This win was crucial for the Kraken as they continue to build momentum late in the season, while the Blues faced setbacks in their playoff chase. Chandler Stephenson emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the seventh round of the shootout, capping off a wild game that saw both teams exchange leads and a flurry of scoring in the final period. The Kraken's victory not only showcased their resilience but also highlighted the competitive nature of the Western Conference playoff race, where every point is vital. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Moments 1. **First Period: Slow Start** - The opening period was characterized by a lack of offensive action, with the Kraken and Blues combining for only eight shots on goal. Both teams failed to capitalize on early opportunities, ending the period scoreless [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/kraken_defeat_blues_4_3_in_the_shootout/s1_16448_42044242]. 2. **Second Period: Kraken Take the Lead** - Jaden Schwartz scored the first goal of the game for the Kraken early in the second period, giving Seattle a 1-0 lead. Despite both teams having power play opportunities, neither could convert, and the period ended with the Kraken ahead [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/3_takeaways_from_the_krakens_4_3_shootout_victory_over_the_blues/s1_16448_42045974]. 3. **Third Period: Wild Finish** - The third period saw a flurry of goals, with the Blues equalizing and then taking a brief lead. However, the Kraken responded to tie the game at 3-3, forcing overtime and subsequently a shootout [https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-seattle-kraken-game-recap-april-12]. 4. **Shootout: Stephenson's Heroics** - In the shootout, Chandler Stephenson scored the winning goal in the seventh round, sealing the victory for the Kraken. This win was particularly significant as it kept the Kraken competitive in the standings while the Blues slipped further in their playoff pursuit [https://www.fox13seattle.com/sports/kraken-win-4-3-seven-round-shootout-over-blues]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Game Statistics:** - **Shots on Goal:** Kraken 29, Blues 25 - **Goals:** Kraken 4 (Schwartz, Eberle, McCann, Stephenson), Blues 3 (Kyrou, Thomas, Saad) - **Shootout:** Kraken 1-0, Blues 0-0 in the final round [https://www.startribune.com/stephenson-scores-in-7th-round-of-shootout-to-give-kraken-3-2-win-over-blues/601329907]. - **Standings Impact:** - The Kraken's victory improved their position in the Western Conference, while the Blues fell one point behind the playoff spot they were vying for [https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-seattle-kraken-game-recap-april-12]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Win for the Kraken In summary, the Seattle Kraken's 4-3 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues was a pivotal moment in their season, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. The game featured a slow start, a thrilling finish, and a decisive shootout that highlighted the skills of Chandler Stephenson. This win not only boosts the Kraken's confidence but also complicates the playoff picture for the Blues, emphasizing the high stakes of late-season NHL action. 1. **Game Overview:** Kraken win 4-3 in a shootout against the Blues. 2. **Key Moments:** Slow first period, Kraken lead in the second, wild third period. 3. **Decisive Shootout:** Stephenson scores the winning goal. 4. **Impact on Standings:** Crucial win for Kraken, setback for Blues in playoff chase.