Calgary Flames secured a vital 3-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken, powered by a dominant first period where they scored all three of their goals on the power play. Morgan Frost initiated the scoring for the Flames, followed by Yegor Sharangovich and Jonathan Huberdeau, the latter netting his 20th goal of the season. Seattle attempted a comeback with goals from Kaapo Kakko and Brandon Tanev, but could not overcome the early deficit. Flames' Dan Vladar made 27 saves, securing their position in the playoff race.

Despite their offensive prowess, the Flames have struggled in first periods prior to this game, having scored just 30 goals thus far. Conversely, the Kraken have conceded 61 goals in the first period, the second most in the league. The game was marked by a significant early hit from Calgary's Brayden Pachal that led to a double-minor for Seattle, contributing greatly to the Flames' scoring opportunities.

Calgary Flames secured a vital 3-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken, bolstered by a powerful first period where they scored three goals, including power-play strikes from Yegor Sharangovich and Jonathan Huberdeau. Morgan Frost initiated the scoring, with Sharangovich following up to extend the lead. Huberdeau capped off the first-period dominance with his 20th goal on a 5-on-3 advantage. Despite the Kraken’s attempts to rally back with Kaapo Kakko and Brandon Tanev scoring in the second and third periods respectively, they fell short, marking their fourth loss in six games.

Calgary's Dan Vladar made 27 saves, contributing significantly to their defensive efforts. The Flames have demonstrated an impressive record when scoring first, while Seattle continues to struggle with first-period goals against. Both teams look to regroup with upcoming matchups, with Calgary set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs and Seattle preparing to face the Detroit Red Wings.

Kaapo Kakko's transition to the Seattle Kraken has revitalized his career, moving from a limited role with the New York Rangers to a significant position on the first line. Partnered with Matty Beniers and Jaden Schwartz, Kakko's average ice time has increased notably, showcasing his potential with the Kraken. Coach Dan Bylsma commended Kakko's ability to hold onto the puck and create scoring opportunities. In just 16 games with Seattle, Kakko has already tallied four goals, nine assists, and 13 points, marking a substantial improvement in his performance.

As the NHL season progresses, many lesser-known players are stepping up and making significant impacts, especially for fantasy hockey managers looking to bolster their rosters. This week's waiver wire targets include various forwards and defensemen with the potential to provide immediate value.

Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets is emerging as a key player, filling in for injured veteran Sean Monahan. He has registered six points in six games and is seeing considerable ice time. Meanwhile, Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders has been productive since the New Year, contributing nine points in eight games.

On the defensive side, Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning is noted for his contributions on the power play, while John Klingberg of the Edmonton Oilers is a player to monitor as he returns from injury.

Kaapo Kakko's transition to the Seattle Kraken has been nothing short of a revelation. Following his trade from the New York Rangers, the young forward has made significant strides in his performance, showcasing his skills with a total of 10 points—four goals and six assists—in just 13 games. Averaging 16:34 minutes of ice time, Kakko attributes his newfound confidence to an environment that encourages growth and allows him to play with more freedom.

The Kraken's younger roster seems to be the perfect fit for Kakko, who previously faced immense pressure in New York. He emphasized how the support from his coaches has played a crucial role in his resurgence: “You’re going to make mistakes sometimes, but keep trying to make plays,” he said. This positive mindset has helped him regain his confidence and creativity on the ice.