Instant chemistry between Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers has generated some cautious optimism for the Kraken, with both enjoying productive stretches.

The hope when the Seattle Kraken acquired forward Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers was that the former second-overall pick could reignite his stale career.

Schwartz scored the fifth hat trick of his career tonight and his first since Mar. 19, 2019. This was his fifth multi-goal game with Seattle, tying Oliver Bjorkstrand (5) for the third most in franchise history behind Jared McCann (10) and Jordan Eberle (7).

Kakko is also in the right spot. The Kraken have a younger team, which puts Kakko in a position to develop properly and learn from his mistakes. The weight of the world was on Kak

When captain Jordan Eberle eventually returns from the injured list, the Seattle Kraken might need to find another spot for him in the lineup.

Kakko spent Christmas in Seattle at Tolvanen’s house, although the newly acquired winger fielded inquiries from several other Kraken players. The Finns last played together in 2019, so they had a lot to catch up on, sharing “dumb” summer stories and reflecting on their shared history.

Kaapo Kakko scored twice in the third period, Joey Daccord made 33 saves and the Seattle Kraken overcame an early two-goal deficit to beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-2 on Saturday.

The Seattle Kraken took a chance by trading for 23-year-old Kaapo Kakko but the early returns show the move was worthwhile.

Chandler Stephenson also tallied and Kaapo Kakko had three assists for the Kraken, who began a run of nine of 10 games on home ice. Daccord made 28 saves, stopping everything he faced in the final period, including a breakaway by Warren Foegele, when Los Angeles had a 17-1 edge in shots.

Jaden Schwartz recorded his fifth career hat trick and the Seattle Kraken beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 for their third win in five games.

Kraken defenseman Josh Mahura lay down a booming, clean hit on Kings forward Warren Foegele at the Kraken blue line. While officials tried to keep two annoyed Kings players off Mahura, Schwartz and Beniers sneaked off on a 2-on-1. Schwartz scored his team-leading 15th goal of the season.