Chris Driedger returns for Kraken in win over Flames

Alex Wennberg broke a third-period tie and goaltender Chris Driedger earned a win during his first NHL game in more than a year as the visiting Seattle Kraken beat the Calgary Flames 2-1 on Wednesday.

Kailer Yamamoto also scored for the Kraken, who are on a 5-0-2 run that has vaulted them over the Flames in the standings. Driedger made 36 saves while appearing in an NHL contest for the first time since May 1, 2022 — the finale of Seattle's inaugural season.

Driedger, who played junior hockey in Calgary, sparkled over the final two periods — blanking the hosts despite facing 30 shots in the final 40 minutes.

The Kraken won for only the second time in 10 all-time games versus the Flames.

Nazem Kadri scored for the Flames, who have lost two consecutive games. Goalie Jacob Markstrom stopped 19 shots.

Wennberg broke a 1-1 tie exactly six minutes into the third period with his fifth goal of the season. Off a rush, he was sent a pass from across the ice. From below the left faceoff dot, he ripped a short-side, top-corner shot.

The Flames toiled frantically for the equalizer but could not find it during a wild push.

Seattle, which flew into Calgary in the morning after the holiday break instead of the night before, never trailed in the clash.

Yamamoto opened the scoring with his team's first shot 2:24 into the clash. Right after Calgary couldn't convert a golden chance — Adam Larsson blocked A.J. Greer's opportunity from the doorstep — Yamamoto was sprung on a breakaway and buried his seventh of the campaign.

Kadri's power-play goal tied the game at the 8:09 mark of the first period. After intercepting a pass, Yegor Sharangovich worked the puck to the front of the net, and Kadri converted a rebound for his ninth of the season.

—Field Level Media