SEATTLE — Kraken 3, Blackhawks 1 at Climate Pledge Arena

Notable: The Seattle Kraken (8-8-1) matched their season high winning their third straight game but there was concern about captain Jordan Eberle after he left the game in the opening seconds of the second period following a hard crash into the end boards.

Quotable: “Talked to him last night, I think he was just walking by Abbotsford on his journey down here,” Kraken coach Dan Bylsma quipped after morning skate about the ongoing wait for Daniel Sprong to get his immigration paperwork processed and join the team following his trade from Vancouver. Bylsma said he was hopeful Sprong would be in Seattle on Friday.

Goal of the game: Chandler Stephenson’s passing and speed was entirely on display setting up Seattle’s second goal. Stephenson was allowed to carry the puck without obstacle from center ice into the offensive zone. He carried below the goal line and threw a pass out front to Jaden Schwartz as he cut in behind the Chicago defense.

Player of the game: Not only did Matty Beniers score for the second time in four games, but he also did a good job managing the rotation of wingers that joined his line after Eberle’s injury. He should have had a second goal with about 41/2 minutes left after Chicago goalie Petr Mrazek was caught out of the goal and missed just wide with 56 seconds left and Chicago’s net empty.

On tap: The Kraken face a New York back-to-back this weekend, hosting the slumping Islanders on Saturday afternoon before facing the Rangers on Sunday. The visit to Seattle is the midpoint of a five-game road trip for the Islanders.

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