Seattle, WA

Grubauer Freezes Out Penguins | Seattle Kraken

Published

2 years ago

March 1, 2024

Grubauer Freezes Out Penguins | Seattle Kraken

On this February 29th night, the Kraken leaped past the Minnesota Wild in the Western wild-card race, thanks to a stellar 33-save performance from Seattle goalie Philipp Grubauer. All-Star forward Oliver Bjorkstrand scored another clutch goal with more elite net-front stick work on the opening goal, then Alex Wennberg added a much-welcome insurance goal on a later third period power play on a penalty drawn by former Penguin Jared McCann. The 2-0 final provides Seattle with seven of 10 possible standings points on this homestand with one more game, Pacific Division rival Edmonton on Saturday with a 1 p.m. puck drop.

Passing Minnesota is a gratifying outcome, same for now being tied with contenders Calgary and St. Louis, all three squads at 63 points in 59 games played. But wildcard leaders Nashville (now at seven straight wins) and Los Angeles (ending a two-game losing streak at Vancouver) both stayed nine and seven points ahead of Seattle.

Grubauer Gets the Nod, Delivers Clean Sheet

Dave Hakstol has been clear that both goalies, Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord, will be needed over the next month and a half (yes, Friday is March 1). Fans and media can only guess how the tandem will share the crease, but Philipp Grubauer made a strong case in Thursday’s opening period to potentially regain the unofficial starting role. After posting three wins in three spaced starts since Jan. 22, in the backup role to Joey Daccord, the veteran goaltender turned in 18 saves in the first period, including four Grade-A scoring chances. Highlight stops include a couple of saves on Pens defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph and his D-partner Kris Letang, plus a huge mid-period save on the still-dangerous Jeff Carter, the two-time LA Kings Cup winner now playing fourth-line minutes for Pittsburgh.

Grubauer conceded in his post-game remarks that this shutout was special. His last one for Seattle was April 7, 2022. But, like his teammates, he is fully in the present with a wild-card chase in full sprint.

“It’s more important to get those points than get the shutout,” said Grubauer. “It’s huge for the team because everybody plays to their part and everybody does their part [in a shutout].”

Grubauer talked a lot in the inaugural season about needing to see pucks and understand how his teammates were helping to block or divert shots with screening the goalie. Thursday post-game Grubauer noted some nuances about what Pittsburgh was doing to break through a scoreless night, especially during a barrage of 18 shots on goal and nearly double the attempts in the first period.

“They had a couple from the blue line where they tried to miss the net and just created some bounces,” said Grubauer, cheered mightly with “Gruuuu” chants when announced and interviewed on-ice as the game’s first star. “They weren’t all always necessarily shooting at me, more like shooting for sticks [and ensuing deflections]. Also finding guys who tried to get lost [net-front]. We did a good job of eliminating sticks and tips.”

‘Special’ Not Special, Though Grubauer Was

When Seattle dropped a disappointing 5-2 game to Western Conference wild-card Minnesota last Saturday, one culprit trend was too many Kraken penalties. This matchup against Eastern Conference wildcard contender was seeping into the same swamp when veteran forward Jaden Schwartz went off for holding not long into the middle period for the second Kraken penalty-kill of the night.

Schwartz took a tripping penalty late first period too. The trouble with too many penalties is the Kraken prosper when they can roll out four lines playing fast and keep opponents facing their play-fast units of five.

But Philipp Grubauer and the PK units snuffed out those first two threats. The Kraken goaltender fended off three big names on the second Penguins power play, stopping Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang (they’ve been teammates for 18 seasons, setting a trio record with Evgeni Malkin for most seasons for three teammates across NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL), plus offensively-gifted defenseman Erik Karlsson. Grubauer’s best save on that second power play was getting in front of a close-in turnaround shot from first-line forward Rickard Rakell.

There was one more penalty to survive in the middle period (not Schwartz this time) when former Penguin Brian Dumoulin was called for high-sticking 13-and-a-half minutes into the frame. Dumoulin was preventing Pittsburgh fourth-liner Jansen Harkins from pushing the puck past Grubauer, who made the stop while Dumoulin’s stick was inadvertently coming up high on Harkins’ face as the play finished. Grubauer supported his teammate by making two more PK saves on Crosby. The Kraken goalie finished the first 40 minutes with 29 saves.

Dave Hakstol doesn’t like seeing his squad committing penalties when the likes of Sidney Crosby and company are on the power play (“Sidney Crosby is going as good as anybody in the league right now”). But the head coach, victorious in his 500^th NHL game, did appreciate the PK’s overall effort with special cred for Grubauer’s work in goal.

“Our competitiveness was good,” said Hakstol. “It starts there. Obviously, that’s a big part of killing, structure, and the individual competitiveness of the guys out there. We got clears for the most part. Their power play recovers pucks very well. but when we had some opportunities, we got pucks down and that enabled us to get fresh bodies on the ice.”

Borgen, Wennberg, Bjorkstrand and a Flying Puck

For the second straight game, Kraken defenseman Will Borgen perfectly timed a shot from his usual right-point heavy shot location that resulted in a goal for teammate Oliver Bjorkstrand. This particular high-speed delivery bounced off Alex Wennberg’s shoulder, where Bjorkstrand batted it in mid-air (spring training has begun, right?) to put Seattle ahead 1-0. It’s a bright and encouraging sign that Bjorkstrand’s scoring touch might be going from nine-game cold to now a two-game heat-up that fans can only hope becomes an all-out torch run. Post-game, the Danish forward was talking a bit like a baseball shortstop waiting on a pop-up.

“I knew it hit Wenny and I kind of focused on the puck,” said Bjorkstrand, smiling just a bit. “I didn’t want to lose it and find a way to whack it. I knew guys weren’t really sure where it went, but I found it.”

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Seattle, WA

Hannah Murphy makes 37 saves as Seattle Torrent beat Victoire 2-1

Published

22 minutes ago

December 24, 2025

Press Room

Hannah Murphy makes 37 saves as Seattle Torrent beat Victoire 2-1

article

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 17: Hannah Murphy #83 of the Seattle Torrent tends net against the Ottawa Charge during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on December 17, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images)

SEATTLE – Julia Gosling scored the game-winning goal early in the third period, and Hannah Murphy made 37 saves as the Seattle Torrent beat the Montréal Victoire 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Gosling broke the 1-1 tie just 3:26 into the final period on a questionable goal that was upheld after review. Murphy then helped Seattle survive a late Victoire power play chance to close out the win.

With an extra skater on the ice with a delayed penalty call set to go against the Victoire for a tripping infraction, the puck leaked into the offensive zone onto the stick of Seattle captain Hilary Knight. Gosling was left unmarked across the crease and fired a one-timer that beat goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens for the go-ahead goal.

However, replays appeared to show Marie-Philip Poulin touch the puck for Montréal right as Knight won the battle for the puck. It was also close to having Knight offsides on the play as well, but the goal stood after replay review.

A penalty on Megan Carter for holding with 2:43 left to play gave the Victoire a prime chance to tie as Montréal went six-on-four with their net empty. Murphy made four saves on the power play – including a save against each member of the Victoire’s top line – as Seattle closed out the victory.

The Torrent have earned all three of their wins with Murphy in goal.

Seattle controlled play through most of the opening period, but the Victoire still managed to strike first. Despite trailing 12-8 in shots in the first, Montreal’s top line of Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey and Abby Roque combined to give the Victoire a 1-0 lead.

A nice passing play from Poulin and Stacey set up a half slap shot from atop the left circle that beat the glove of Murphy to grab the advantage with just 1:03 left in the period.

The second period played out in the opposite way to the first, with the Victoire creating more offensive chances but the Torrent finding a goal to tie.

A two-on-one rush for Seattle caught Kati Tabin in a pickle. Gosling’s shot rebounded hard off the pads of Desbiens as Alex Carpenter cleaned up the loose puck to tie it at 1-1.

Meanwhile, Murphy was terrific in goal for Seattle. She made 15 saves in the period as a power play fueled Montréal’s attack.

Gosling’s goal gave Seattle the lead early in the third as Murphy had to shine to get the victory across the finish line. Fifteen more saves followed in the final period with Montréal unable to crack Murphy, despite a few dangerous chances.

The Source: Information in this story came from FOX 13 Seattle reporting.

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Seattle, WA

Windstorm possible on Christmas Eve in Seattle

Published

12 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Windstorm possible on Christmas Eve in Seattle

Seattle weather: Driver conditions on Tuesday

If you are traveling over the passes the next few days, here is a look at the forecast. Snow overnight through early Tuesday, with several new inches for Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. We will see drier conditions Tuesday and then a mix of rain and snow for Wednesday.

SEATTLE – Strong winds are sticking around Western Washington into Christmas Eve, but Christmas Day is looking quiet.

There’s a low chance of high-impact windstorms around the region tomorrow. There’s still a considerable amount of uncertainty in the wind speeds due to extreme differences in the various weather models.

Be prepared for possible tree damage and power outages by Wednesday evening. Otherwise, you can plan on occasional scattered lowland rain and mountain snow tomorrow.

Possible windstorm on Christmas Eve

What’s next:

There’s a high wind watch posted for many locations around Western Washington for Wednesday morning to evening. The first round of winds is likely to happen in the morning (however, stick with us for updates as to the timing) with east/northeast gusts to 30 mph.

In the morning, the strongest winds will likely be focused over the Cascade gaps (e.g. North Bend and Enumclaw).

By the afternoon, there’s a chance for more forceful winds — this time, coming from the south. The second period of winds will have a higher impact with gusts potentially reaching 50-60 mph. Should this forecast pan out, there would be widespread tree damage and power outages.

Big picture view:

However, it’s important to note that the various weather models we analyze are presenting a broad range of possible outcomes on Christmas Eve. It’s rare to have this level of uncertainty about a forecast barely 24 hours in advance. Some suggest an intense windstorm while others indicate winds would barely reach 10 mph.

Keep in mind: there’s an elevated ‘bust potential’ for this forecast — meaning, the winds could be a dud, barely blowing — or gusts could be highly damaging. I recommend preparing for the worst-case scenario and being pleasantly surprised if conditions are quieter.

What you can do:

As a meteorologist, this is what I recommend you do with high winds possible:

Don’t spend time outside during this windstorm if at all possible (in the event that weak trees or tree branches fall).
Limit time on the roads during the peak of the in case trees fall! With this particular windstorm, I’d recommend traveling in the morning (unless the timing changes) before winds peak in the afternoon and early evening.
First, make sure you keep your phone charged in the event of a power outage.
You can also download the FOX Local app on your phone so you can watch our weather coverage and forecast. Remember to keep the fridge shut during a power outage to maintain the cool air there.

The weather models are split as to the path of this storm: the impacts of this system depend on where it moves. You better believe our weather team will be watching how things develop. If the low pressure moves over the coast and the Olympic Peninsula, the winds would be more damaging. However, if it moves into Eastern Washington, the winds would likely be weaker.

This storm serves as a reminder as to the importance of humans as meteorologists — because most weather apps can’t express the range of possible outcomes and various scenarios.

River flood threat decreasing

Except for the Skokomish River in Mason County, the threat of river flooding is over this week. Even the risk of river flooding next week has decreased substantially. Stay tuned in case anything changes!

There may be minor coastal flooding at times this week.

Local perspective:

Beyond the winds on Christmas Eve, you can expect scattered lowland rain and occasional minor mountain snow.

On Christmas Day itself, the morning will be about the aftermath of any tree damage and outages. Quieter weather is expected on Christmas.

Take good care,

Meteorologist Abby Acone

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Where Seattle Seahawks’ No. 1 seed odds stand after Week 16

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Where Seattle Seahawks’ No. 1 seed odds stand after Week 16

The NFC West is a crowded mess, with three of the NFL’s best teams vying for both the division crown and the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

And it just got messier.

The 49ers’ win over the Colts on Monday night improves their record to 11-4, tying them with the Rams and putting both teams one game behind the 12-3 Seahawks.

Are Seahawks now the NFC favorite? Sheil Kapadia’s take

What does it mean for Seattle? I’ll be using The Athletic’s 2025 Playoff Simulator to navigate through the next two weeks…

First, the basics. What’s next for these three teams?

The 49ers have two at home. They host the 11-4 Chicago Bears (the league’s leader in takeaways and coming off back-to-back wins) for Sunday Night Football and then host the Seahawks. The date and time on that one is TBD, usually settled late Week 17, but it’s a favorite to be another primetime matchup.

The current NFL playoff picture

The Seahawks have two on the road. They head to Carolina to take on a hungry 8-7 Panthers team, also coming off a win, that can clinch the NFC South for the first time in a decade with a victory and a Bucs’ loss to the Dolphins. Then the Seahawks head to Santa Clara to face the 49ers.

The Rams have the easiest slate, facing two teams already eliminated from the postseason. They head to play the 6-9 Falcons and then host the 3-12 Cardinals in the regular-season finale.

What are the Seahawks’ current odds of clinching the No. 1 seed?

The Seahawks entered Monday with 53% odds to clinch the No. 1 seed. There’s not a big hit from the 49ers’ win: Seattle’s odds dip to 48%, but are still the highest of the three (49ers at 27% and the Rams at 11% before games are played this upcoming Sunday).

The only thing eliminated by virtue of the 49ers’ win was the Seahawks’ ability to clinch the top seed this Sunday.

If all three NFC West teams win in Week 17, the Seahawks’ odds are right where they were: 53%. That’s how monumental Week 18’s game against the 49ers is.

Best-case scenario in Week 17: Easy. The Seahawks are the only team of the three to win this Sunday. Their odds would jump to 74%. They get the No. 1 seed one of two ways after that: beat the 49ers, or lose to the 49ers + a Lions win over the Bears.

Worst-case scenario in Week 17: The Seahawks lose, while the Rams and 49ers win. Seattle’s odds would drop to 7%. But they’re not done; in this scenario, they could still get the top seed with a win over the 49ers + a Cardinals win over the Rams.

How would the Rams clinch? The Rams’ loss to the Seahawks last Thursday night took L.A. out of the driver’s seat. The Rams’ simplest path is to: win out + the Seahawks and 49ers lose one game each + the Lions beat the Bears. The Rams need the Seahawks to lose to make up for the one-game lead, and need the Bears to lose to win a tiebreaker (conference record).

What else should we know?

Oh, that’s right, the Bears.

There’s another team here still fighting for the top seed. Chicago’s Saturday night comeback win over the Packers wasn’t just a thriller; it also added some new playoff implications.

The Bears are currently the No. 2 seed. But they have a better conference record than both the Rams and the Seahawks, so keeping a game ahead is massive.

Again, all Seattle has to do is win out. It doesn’t matter what any other team does if that happens. But things become tricky if Seattle drops a game.

In that case, if the Seahawks lose to the Panthers, root for the Lions and Cardinals. And always root against your NFC West foes.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• What led to Seahawks’ uncharacteristic defensive issues vs Rams?
• NFL upholds 1-game suspension for Seahawks’ Derick Hall
• Walker’s big night an encouraging sign for Seattle Seahawks
• Seattle Seahawks Injury Updates: Status of trio of DBs
• Huard: The reason Darnold was able to lead Seahawks over Rams

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