Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Wennberg had a goal and an assist, Philipp Grubauer turned away 34 shots, and the Seattle Kraken beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series in Denver on Tuesday night.

Morgan Geekie and Eeli Tolvanen also scored goals for Seattle, which won its inaugural playoff game against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

Mikko Rantanen scored and Alexandar Georgiev had 27 saves for Colorado.

Game 2 is Thursday night in Denver.

The Avalanche had won their last six series openers and 10 straight first-round games before Tuesday night.

The Kraken jumped on a mistake early in the first period. Colorado defenseman Devon Toews tried to pass the puck from beneath his goal, but Tolvanen stole it. He put a shot on net that Georgiev saved, but Tolvanen scored on the rebound to give Seattle a 1-0 lead at 3:26.

It was the first playoff goal in Kraken history.

The Avalanche pushed back after killing off the first of two Josh Manson minor penalties in the first period.

Rantanen won an offensive zone faceoff. The puck went to Bowen Byram, who passed it to Nathan MacKinnon along the boards. Mackinnon sent a pass to the front of the net that deflected in off Rantanen's left skate and at 12:35.

It stayed 1-1 until early in the second period. Jaden Schwartz got a stretch pass from Jamie Oleksiak at Colorado's blueline, skated in with the puck and passed it to Wennberg as he skated down the right slot. Wennberg's one-timer beat Georgiev to the short side at 1:20 to put Seattle ahead 2-1.

The Avalanche had chances to tie it in the second, but Grubauer stopped all 13 shots in the period, and the Kraken built on their lead early in the third.

Wennberg had the puck behind the net and fed Geekie in the right circle, and his quick shot beat Georgiev at 4:03.

Georgiev came off for an extra skater with 4:28 remaining but returned after a penalty put Seattle on the power play.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump
Odell Beckham Jr. reveals why he was 'hesitant' to join Dolphins
Lakers reportedly interested in adding three-time All-Star via trade
Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars
MLB announces punishment for Astros' Ronel Blanco over foreign substance
Vikings HC shares big Justin Jefferson contract update
Rafael Nadal switches gears, gives major update on French Open status
DeMar DeRozan confirms desire to return to Bulls
Mavericks defense rises to occasion in Game 5 win vs. Thunder
Steelers to make history in final two months of 2024 season
Packers will play on Thanksgiving with a rare twist in 2024