Postgame: Driedger claws the Panthers, Eberle scores twice in big win

Seattle Kraken v Florida Panthers

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Jamie Oleksiak #24 of the Seattle Kraken defends against Patric Hornqvist #70 of the Florida Panthers attempting to gain postioning in front of the net during the second period at FLA Live Arena on November 27, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images

Chris Driedger put together a record at 14-6-3, along with three shutouts last season.

The Florida Panthers then left him for the taking in the expansion draft.

The Seattle Kraken took him. Then, what was left to wait for: November 27.

Driedger delivered the just desserts on this date: a magnificent 33-save, first star performance in a 4-1 Kraken victory over the Florida Panthers on Saturday night at FLA Live Arena.

"It's about as good as they feel," said Driedger.

It couldn't have gone any better for the 6-foot-4 net minder, 0-2 in his first three appearances while enduring a knee injury that sidelined him for a month between October and November.

But decked out in a new mask with artwork paying tribute to the Space Needle, the Seattle Metropolitans and more, he injected fuel into the Kraken with an early show-stopping, breakaway save on Jonathan Huberdeau that propelled an attack down the other end, finishing with Jordan Eberle's first of two goals in the game (celebrating his 800th career NHL game).

"The first two or three haven't gone my way," said Driedger. "You just need to go in there and feel good, make some saves, get some confidence back. Lot of buzz coming back into this building, so it feels really good to get that one."

"Pretty happy with that performance by our group."

The Kraken, stopping the Panthers bid for an NHL record setting 12 straight home wins to start a season, have won three of four games, and against no slouches: the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, and Panthers. The three teams, entering today, combined for a record of 42-9-9.

The Kraken will head north to visit the Buffalo Sabres, next on Monday at 4pm PT.


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