Blues Rally Past Kraken in Season Opener, Broberg Scores in Debut

The St. Louis Blues overcame a slow start to defeat the Seattle Kraken 3-2 in their season opener on Tuesday night. Jordan Kyrou led the comeback with two goals, while Philip Broberg, making his Blues debut, netted the equalizer.

Slow Start, Fast Finish for Blues

The Blues admitted to a sluggish opening period, but a scrum in the second period sparked their offense. St. Louis coach Drew Bannister credited the line of Nathan Walker, Alexey Toropchenko, and Radek Faksa for igniting the team’s energy.

Kyrou Takes Charge

Kyrou capitalized on a power play opportunity at 13:42 of the second period, putting the Blues on the board with a backhand shot through Philipp Grubauer’s five-hole. He added the go-ahead goal just two minutes later on a breakaway, again beating Grubauer with a shot under the glove.

Broberg Makes Impactful Debut

Broberg, acquired from Edmonton via offer sheet this offseason, announced his arrival with a well-placed wrist shot past Grubauer in the second period. The goal tied the game at 2-2 and showcased the young defenseman’s offensive potential.

Kraken Struggle to Hold Lead

Seattle grabbed an early advantage with goals from Vince Dunn and Eeli Tolvanen in the second period. However, their inability to sustain pressure allowed the Blues to exploit defensive lapses and steal the victory.

Bylsma’s First Game as Kraken Coach

Dan Bylsma, the new head coach for the Kraken, acknowledged some positive takeaways from the team’s performance despite the loss. He emphasized the need to address “solvable moments” that cost them the game. This defeat marks the fourth consecutive season-opening loss for the Kraken franchise.

Historic Night for Women in Hockey

Jessica Campbell, an assistant coach for the Kraken, became the first woman to coach in an NHL regular-season game. This milestone signifies continued progress for women’s representation in professional hockey.

Binnington Extends Record

Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington secured his fourth season-opening win, surpassing a tie for most in Blues history.