The Golden Knights entered Sunday night looking to snap a three-game losing streak as they welcomed the Seattle Kraken to T-Mobile Arena for the first time this season. Seattle arrived with momentum, riding a three-game winning streak and fresh off an offensive surge that saw them score 14 goals over their previous three contests.

The two teams had met earlier in the season in Seattle, where the Kraken edged Vegas 2–1 in overtime. This matchup followed a familiar script for the Golden Knights — slow starts, a push late, and another result that slipped away.

Vegas’ struggles to establish early leads have been a recurring theme, often forcing late comebacks that have fallen short in overtime or shootouts. Head coach Bruce Cassidy has repeatedly emphasized the need for stronger starts, saying he wants his team playing with rhythm rather than chasing the game. After Saturday’s loss to Dallas, Cassidy even suggested postgame that continued slow starts could lead to intermission film sessions as a wake-up call.

Those issues surfaced again early. Seattle capitalized on net-front chaos as Eeli Tolvanen buried a rebound past Akira Schmid for his 11th goal of the season, giving the Kraken the game’s first goal. Later in the period, Seattle went to the power play and made it count — Jared McCann wired a one-timer top shelf to extend the Kraken lead to 2–0.

The Golden Knights responded midway through the second period. Jack Eichel sparked the offense, threading a perfect pass to Ivan Barbashev at the backdoor. Joey Daccord had no chance as Barbashev tucked it home to cut the deficit to 2–1. The assist marked Eichel’s 62nd point of the season, continuing to lead the team, while Barbashev recorded his 14th goal.

Vegas carried that momentum into the final minute of the second period. With the man advantage, Eichel found Mitch Marner in stride through the middle of the ice. Marner walked in and beat Daccord blocker side with just 10 seconds remaining, tying the game at two and energizing the T-Mobile Arena crowd.

Heading into the third period, optimism was high. The Golden Knights entered the night leading the NHL with 71 third-period goals. But this time, the script flipped.

Seattle struck early in the final frame. Kaapo Kakko planted himself at the top of the crease and finished off a rebound, restoring the Kraken’s lead. Despite Vegas pushing late, Kakko’s goal proved to be the difference.

The 3–2 loss hands the Golden Knights their fourth straight defeat, while Seattle earned its fourth consecutive win. With the victory, the Kraken move within three points of the Pacific Division lead. Vegas remains tied with Edmonton atop the division with 64 points, but the margin continues to tighten.

Attendance at T-Mobile Arena: 18,031

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