RECAP: Kraken enter All-Star break, Storm enter free agency
SEATTLE – The Seattle Kraken played five straight games at home in the runup to the NHL’s All-Star break, while the WNBA began free agency on Wednesday. Check out this week’s professional sports recap to see how the Kraken fared and a look at the Storm’s free agents.
Kraken
The Seattle Kraken enter All-Star Weekend after wrapping up a five-game home stand from Jan. 19-28. Seattle alternated wins and losses to go 3-2 over the stretch, moving to 29-15-5 just over halfway through the NHL season.
After splitting the first two games of the home stretch, Seattle took on the Vancouver Canucks and scored five goals in the first two periods, later winning 6-1 last Wednesday. Seattle right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (twice), center Alex Wennberg, left wing Jared McCann, right wing Eeli Tolvanen and center Ryan Donato all netted goals in the win.
Seattle center John Hayden scored the first goal in Friday’s game against the Flames, to which Calgary quickly responded with three goals of its own. Tolvanen scored midway through the third period to cut the Calgary lead to one, but the Flames scored again just a minute later before adding an empty netter and winning 5-2 over the Kraken.
To end the home stand, Seattle scored a goal in each of the three periods to win 3-1 over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. Center Morgan Geekie, Wennberg and Tolvanen all scored in the win.
With 63 points, the Kraken currently hold a one-point lead over the Vegas Golden Knights in the top of the Pacific Division’s standings. In 82 games last year, Seattle ended the season with 60 points.
Seattle’s lone selection to the All-Star Game was rookie center Matty Beniers, who suffered an injury against Vancouver, and will miss the festivities with the injury.
The Kraken return to the ice on Tuesday on the road against the New York Islanders.
Storm
WNBA free agency began on Wednesday, with unrestricted free agents being able to talk and sign with any team. Seattle has seven unrestricted free agents from last year’s roster, namely former MVP forward Breanna Stewart. Joining Stewart as unrestricted free agents are center Tina Charles, guard Briann January, forward Stephanie Talbot, guard Epiphany Prince and forward Jantel Lavender. Forward Gabby Williams and center Ezi Magbegor are restricted free agents.
Stewart announced on social media that she was signing with the New York Liberty, and the Los Angeles Sparks announced they had signed Talbot to a multi-year deal.
Ian Bivona can be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.
