“The good news for Kakko is that some of the strengths of his game, his strengths, match the way we play,” Bylsma said before the game. “It helps us and the group get more comfortable with playing his best game, but also his confidence that he can go out there and play his game.”

The lead didn’t last long, actually only 11 seconds. Colorado superstar Nathan Mackinnon forced his way into the Kraken zone from the faceoff circle at center ice, while Seattle D-man Jamie Oleksiak slowed his shot but didn’t stop it, which Joey Daccord parried. But just 11 seconds after Kakko’s goal, Avalanche first-teamer Valeri Nichushkin scored the equalizer.

From there, Kakko and his linemates Matty Beniers and Jaden Schwartz seemed to be more in sync with each shift, and Kakko definitely seemed more capable of making shots, carrying the puck and playing his game.

Kakko puts the team first before talking about his goal

“Another tough loss, that’s the first thing,” Kakko said when asked about his first goal for Seattle. “It feels a little better to get the first one out of the way. But I think you have to win the games. I’ve felt better in the last few games. You know? We got the puck in the O-zone a little longer and spent the time down there.”

In the near miss late in regulation time, Beniers was working in that lower area to get a shot on goal. Kakko grabbed the rebound but couldn’t quite get over goalie Mackenize Blackwood (who joined the Avalanche in early December) as the puck hit the top of the goalie’s leg pad.

“That’s a nice parade,” Kakko said, disappointed with himself. “But it has to be a goal.”

“Kakko has become more comfortable and better and better. I thought that was Kakko’s best game, just seeing what he can do,” Bylsma said after the game. “Yes, that includes shooting on goal, but also his down-low game, a big body at the net. The whole line did a good job. Kakko has a great chance at the net where he is big and strong and the goalkeeper can narrowly save this chance. All in all, like they were our best team tonight.”