Stephenson’s leaping goal highlights Kraken’s 6-1 opening win in Calgary
Stephenson supplied a spectacular goal in Seattle’s 6-1 win, while Zach Whitecloud and Ryan Strome criticised Calgary’s performance in its final Saddledome home opener.
What's newZach Whitecloud called for accountability and Ryan Strome criticised Calgary’s effort after the Flames’ 6-1 loss.
Chandler Stephenson jumped over a Calgary defender before scoring on a breakaway as the Seattle Kraken beat the Flames 6-1 in both teams’ season opener at Scotiabank Saddledome on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Calgary began its final season at the Saddledome with a defeat that Zach Whitecloud described as embarrassing. In comments reported by Sportsnet, Whitecloud called for accountability within the team and said the players would have to support each other through difficult stretches.
Ryan Strome said Calgary had failed to sustain its early effort and competitiveness. He expressed disappointment for the fans and said the Flames needed to simplify their play after losing control of the game.
The NHL’s official highlight shows Stephenson clearing the defender and finishing with a backhand between Dustin Wolf’s pads. His first goal of the regular season made it 4-0 at 3:13 of the third period, with Vince Dunn and goaltender Joey Daccord assisting.
Dunn finished with a goal and two assists, while Jared McCann supplied three assists. Matty Beniers and Kaapo Kakko each had a goal and an assist, and Daccord made 24 saves.
Jordan Eberle opened the scoring on a power play at 9:10 of the first period. Dunn struck 32 seconds later, and Frederick Gaudreau made it 3-0 with 30 seconds left in the period.
Beniers extended the lead to 5-0 at 4:04 of the third, 51 seconds after Stephenson’s goal. Ryan Strome scored Calgary’s only goal at 16:35 before Kakko answered 26 seconds later. Wolf stopped 26 shots.
