Kokko Stops 26 Shots in Debut as Kraken Beat Flames 4-1

22-year-old Seattle goalie nearly scores in first NHL start.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:26am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey goalie making a save, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blue, green, and red colors.Kokko's dazzling debut in net showcases the Kraken's depth and the bright future of their young goaltending prospect.Seattle Today

Nikke Kokko, a 22-year-old goalie from Finland, made 26 saves in his NHL debut as the Seattle Kraken defeated the Calgary Flames 4-1 on Saturday. Kokko, who was making his second career NHL appearance, nearly scored a goal of his own in the final seconds of the game when he flung the puck down the ice after the Flames had pulled their goalie.

Why it matters

Kokko's strong performance in his first NHL start is a positive sign for the Kraken, who have been dealing with injuries to their top goaltenders this season. The 22-year-old prospect demonstrated he can hold his own at the NHL level and isn't afraid to take risks, which could make him a valuable asset for the team going forward.

The details

Kokko, who was playing in just his second career NHL game, was called up from the Kraken's AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley due to injuries to Seattle's top three goalies. He made 26 saves and kept the Flames off the scoreboard for most of the game. In the final seconds, Kokko attempted to score a goal of his own by flinging the puck down the ice, but it was deflected by Flames forward Morgan Frost.

  • Kokko made his NHL debut on February 25 against the St. Louis Blues, becoming the youngest goalie to do so at the time.
  • Saturday's game against the Flames was Kokko's first career NHL start.

The players

Nikke Kokko

A 22-year-old goaltender from Oulu, Finland who was making his first career NHL start for the Seattle Kraken.

Victor Ostman

Kokko's goalie partner the last two years with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL.

Joey Daccord

The Kraken's starting goaltender who was out with a lower-body injury.

Philipp Grubauer

The Kraken's backup goaltender who was also out with a lower-body injury.

Matt Murray

The Kraken's third goaltender who was away from the team tending to a personal matter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This year, I tried three times, maybe, before that. ... It was good they (didn't) score there after I tried.”

— Nikke Kokko, Kraken Goaltender

“I think he prepared me well, and he told me I (need) to play just my game, and what I do. I did that.”

— Nikke Kokko, Kraken Goaltender

“I don't think I've ever seen a goalie that almost scored in his first game. But, that would have been awesome.”

— Freddy Gaudreau, Kraken Forward

“Well, (if) there's a time and a place for it, OK. Just better not go bad.”

— Lane Lambert, Kraken Head Coach

What’s next

The Kraken will continue to monitor the status of their injured goalies, Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer, as they determine if Kokko will remain with the NHL club or be sent back down to the AHL.

The takeaway

Kokko's impressive NHL debut, which included nearly scoring a goal of his own, demonstrates the Kraken's depth in goal and the promising future of their young netminder. His performance will give the team confidence in their ability to weather the current injury crisis and continue competing, even as their playoff hopes have been dashed for another season.