by Will Rogers
Thursday, Oct 05, 2023I've previewed the Vancouver Canucks, the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames. Sticking in the Pacific Division, now I'll take a look at the Seattle Kraken. The Kraken advanced to the second round of the playoffs last year, after upsetting Colorado in the opening round. Can they take the next step?
Last season could only be described as a huge success. Seattle finished with 60 points (27-49-6 record) in 2021-22, its inaugural campaign. Last year, the Kraken jumped all the way to 46-28-8 and 100 points. That was good enough for fourth in the Pacific Division. That meant they had to face Colorado in the first round. No problem. The Kraken shocked the Avalanche in seven games. They very nearly beat the Stars in the next round, too. Dallas ultimately won Game 7.
This season, the Kraken are projected to finish with 93.5 points. That number would have meant that they narrowly missed the playoffs last year. Despite the slightly lower expectations, the Kraken have pretty much the same group as last season. The general consensus seems to be that everything went right last year and that the Kraken may not be as fortunate. Also, after upsetting Colorado in the playoffs and improving by 40 points from their first season, the Kraken won't be sneaking up on teams any longer. I essentially concur. Its not easy to take such a huge jump and then to improve again the very next season.
The Kraken had an impressive 26-11-4 record away from Seattle last year. With a bullseye on their backs, they likely won't match that mark this season. The Pacific Division is very competitive, too. Edmonton and Vegas are going to be good. Los Angeles will be, too. I've previously mentioned that I think Calgary and Vancouver will improve. Even San Jose and Anaheim are expected to be a little better. Not every team in the division can get better. The Kraken may be the odd one out.
Look for the Kraken to take a step back. They'll still be competitive but I don't see them returning to the playoffs. Shop around for the best number and take a look at them to go under their projected number of regular season points ... Will Rogers
Last season could only be described as a huge success. Seattle finished with 60 points (27-49-6 record) in 2021-22, its inaugural campaign. Last year, the Kraken jumped all the way to 46-28-8 and 100 points. That was good enough for fourth in the Pacific Division. That meant they had to face Colorado in the first round. No problem. The Kraken shocked the Avalanche in seven games. They very nearly beat the Stars in the next round, too. Dallas ultimately won Game 7.
This season, the Kraken are projected to finish with 93.5 points. That number would have meant that they narrowly missed the playoffs last year. Despite the slightly lower expectations, the Kraken have pretty much the same group as last season. The general consensus seems to be that everything went right last year and that the Kraken may not be as fortunate. Also, after upsetting Colorado in the playoffs and improving by 40 points from their first season, the Kraken won't be sneaking up on teams any longer. I essentially concur. Its not easy to take such a huge jump and then to improve again the very next season.
The Kraken had an impressive 26-11-4 record away from Seattle last year. With a bullseye on their backs, they likely won't match that mark this season. The Pacific Division is very competitive, too. Edmonton and Vegas are going to be good. Los Angeles will be, too. I've previously mentioned that I think Calgary and Vancouver will improve. Even San Jose and Anaheim are expected to be a little better. Not every team in the division can get better. The Kraken may be the odd one out.
Look for the Kraken to take a step back. They'll still be competitive but I don't see them returning to the playoffs. Shop around for the best number and take a look at them to go under their projected number of regular season points ... Will Rogers
