In Columbus, Jared McCann and Jordan Eberle scored in the second period to give the Seattle Kraken a 2-1 lead on Friday night. 
For McCann, it was his 30th of the campaign and helped send Seattle to a 4-2 win over the Blue Jackets.
“It’s great, but at the same time we’re still trying to accomplish something as a team and we have a great group of guys in here that I’m happy to help us win games,” McCann said.
After a scoreless first period, Patrik Laine had scored to give the Blue Jackets a 1-0 lead.
“I think we took our foot off the gas a little bit in the second period,” Laine said. “We gave up way too many slap shots and chances in front of the net. That type of team, they’re going to use it pretty good.”
Philipp Grubauer made 21 saves in the Seattle win.
“We played start to finish,” Kraken coach Dave Hakstol said. “We [were] pretty consistent throughout. A lot of specialty teams (four power plays for each team); a little too much on a back to back, rather see a little more 5-on-5. But a really consistent effort.”
The Kraken improved to 35-21-6.
Adam Boqvist opened the scoring in the third period with a goal for the Blue Jackets to tie the game, 2-2.
“It wasn’t like it was a terrible effort,” Columbus coach Brad Larsen said. “I know there’s another level of competitiveness at the puck that’s going to be required, that we could have killed a lot more plays and had the puck more.”
Columbus dropped to 20-36-6.
Seattle grabbed the lead back less than three minutes later on a strike by Alex Wennberg for a 3-2 advantage.
“It’s really nice to get that goal; the last time I scored was against Columbus as well (Jan. 28),” Wennberg said. “It’s nice to have success and score against your former team, but right now it doesn’t matter who scores, it’s important to win the game.”
Brandon Tanev hit an empty net with 48 seconds left on the clock for the 4-2 final.
“Really consistent effort. I liked our third period,” Hakstol said. “We came out and were on our toes in the third period. Could have easily stretched the lead in the first part of that period; that didn’t happen, but we responded well and were able to close out the game.”
Elvis Merzlikins made 31 saves in the loss.
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