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.

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.

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

The metrics under the hood tell a curious story centered on one basic fact: Kakko and his linemates are on a shooting hot streak while Lafreniere and his linemates are in a shooting slump.

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

A look at the game “by the numbers.” - The Kraken dominated possession in the first 40 minutes of play earning 52-percent of all shot volume and 66-percent of all shot quality before focusing on a defensive effort in the final twenty minutes of play.

Schwartz put Seattle ahead 2-1 at 7:40, finishing off a 4-on-2 rush by scoring on a wrist shot from the right circle. Josh Mahura started the break by creating a turnover when he checked Warren Foegele in the defensive zone.

The New York Rangers traded Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Dec. 18 and he has taken off ever since. In 10 games with the Kraken, the 23-year-old forward has recorded three goals, four assists and seven points. He is also averaging 15:59 minutes per game compared to his 13:17 minutes with the Rangers, which is a substantial increase.

Jaden Schwartz scored his fifth career hat trick and the fourth hat trick in Seattle Kraken history in a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.

The Kraken look to maintain their dominance over Buffalo, and aim to build momentum for the second half of the season. Puck drop for Monday's game is 1PM PST.