The Seattle Kraken fell 2-1 in a shootout loss to the Calgary Flames on Monday night. Seattle carried the play most of the game, outshooting Calgary 36-21. The Kraken outshot the Flames in every period, including overtime, but eventually lost in the fourth round of the shootout, when Matvei Gridin scored the winner.

Flames goaltender and Calder Trophy finalist Dustin Wolf stole the show with a .972 save percentage. Seattle generated 3.8 expected goals for, which usually leads to a win. If this had been the regular season, the Kraken at least would have earned a point. It’s not the result they wanted, but the important thing is it’s still preseason, and none of it matters.

Takeaway #1: Berkly Catton scores his first Kraken goal

The 2024 No. 8 pick flashed his offensive skill and led all Kraken skaters with five shots on goal. He buried a rebound in the second period for his first NHL preseason goal and Seattle’s lone tally.

Catton looked more confident with the puck and worked well cycling with linemates. He also led Kraken forwards with three blocked shots. His night wasn’t flawless, but it stood out as his best preseason performance yet.

Takeaway #2: Hopefully Dunn is not done

Vince Dunn has a history with Calgary’s Martin Pospisil, who was suspended in 2023-24 for a dangerous hit on Dunn. For a preseason contest, this game turned physical, with scrums closing both the first and second periods.

In the second, Pospisil caught Dunn with a high stick. Dunn exchanged words while heading to the box and was assessed a minor for roughing. Pospisil received two minors for high-sticking and roughing. Tempers were rising, and it looked like more was coming, but before his penalty expired, Dunn headed to the dressing room and did not return to the game.

It’s unclear what Dunn’s injury might be. He took the high stick and, just seconds earlier, had blocked a shot that caused him to grimace. After the game, coach Lane Lambert said Dunn was being evaluated.

Seattle already has a growing injury list, and Dunn’s absence would be another significant setback. The Kraken cannot afford to lose him for any significant period.

Takeaway #3: Gruuuuu looked sharp

Philipp Grubauer was tested early when Calgary forward Matt Coronato broke free for a wrist shot on the game’s first chance. The German Gentleman turned it aside and cleared the rebound, preventing Seattle from falling behind early. The Kraken responded with 17 first-period shots.

Goaltenders often say seeing pucks early helps them settle in. Grubauer was sharp from the start and finished with a .952 save percentage. This loss wasn’t on him, and Seattle will hope his strong play carries into the regular season.

Strong performance, but no result

The Kraken played a physical, structured game, and on most nights would have come away with the win. In the NHL, though, all teams can win on any given night.

The forward lines looked steady, with Mason Marchment, Shane Wright, and Eeli Tolvanen standing out as a potential regular-season trio.

Seattle closes the preseason Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers in a matchup expected to feature a roster closer to resembling the Opening Night lineup.

Blaiz Grubic

Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.