Rookie Goalie Scores in Kraken's 4-1 Win Over Flames

Nikke Kokko makes history in his NHL debut with a last-second goal attempt.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:58am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant brushstrokes of neon blue, green, and orange, capturing the dynamic motion and energy of a hockey goaltender launching the puck down the ice in the final moments of a game.A young goaltender's last-second goal attempt caps off an impressive NHL debut performance.Seattle Today

In his first NHL start, 22-year-old Seattle Kraken goaltender Nikke Kokko made 26 saves and even attempted a goal of his own in the final seconds of the Kraken's 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Saturday.

Why it matters

Kokko's goal attempt in his NHL debut is a rare and exciting moment, as goaltenders rarely get the chance to score in hockey games. This play highlights Kokko's skill and competitiveness, as well as the Kraken's strong performance in defeating a divisional rival.

The details

With the Flames having pulled their goaltender Devin Cooley in a last-ditch effort to tie the game, Kokko seized the opportunity to try and score himself, flinging the puck the length of the ice as time expired. While the shot did not go in, Kokko's attempt was a memorable moment in his first NHL start.

  • Kokko made his NHL debut on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The Kraken defeated the Flames by a score of 4-1.

The players

Nikke Kokko

A 22-year-old goaltender making his first NHL start for the Seattle Kraken.

Devin Cooley

The Calgary Flames' goaltender who was pulled late in the game as the Flames tried to rally.

Seattle Kraken

The NHL team that defeated the Calgary Flames 4-1 in this game.

Calgary Flames

The NHL team that lost 4-1 to the Seattle Kraken in this game.

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What they’re saying

“This year, I tried three times, maybe, before that,”

— Nikke Kokko, Kraken Goaltender

The takeaway

Kokko's goal attempt in his NHL debut is a rare and exciting moment that showcases his skill and competitiveness, while also highlighting the Kraken's strong performance in defeating a divisional rival.