The Seattle Kraken Standings are one of the most exciting new teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), having joined the league as an expansion team in 2021. As the second expansion team since the 2000s, after the Vegas Golden Knights, the Kraken have captured the attention of hockey fans across the United States and beyond. With a fresh roster and a fanbase eager for success, the Seattle Kraken standings are a key point of interest for both local supporters and NHL followers.

In this article, we will explore the Seattle Kraken’s journey through their seasons so far, analyze their current standings, and provide insights into what fans can expect from the team in the future. By the end, you will have a thorough understanding of where the Kraken stand in the NHL landscape, as well as key factors contributing to their performance.

The Birth of the Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken made their debut in the NHL during the 2021-2022 season. After years of anticipation, Seattle became the 32nd team in the league, filling the void left after the NHL expanded with the Vegas Golden Knights just a few years prior. The Kraken’s entrance into the league added another dynamic market to the sport, with Seattle being known for its passionate sports culture and significant history in both hockey and other sports like basketball and football.

With a rich fanbase already present, the Kraken entered the league with high expectations. The NHL’s expansion draft in 2021 allowed them to select players from other teams, building a team that was meant to be competitive immediately, much like the Vegas Golden Knights had achieved a few years earlier.

The Kraken’s early days have been marked by an enthusiastic fanbase, an engaging team-building process, and the hope of making an impact in the tough Pacific Division.

The 2021-2022 Season: A Learning Experience

In their inaugural season, the Seattle Kraken had high expectations but faced the typical challenges of any expansion team. They were placed in the Pacific Division, which features some of the NHL’s most successful teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights, the Los Angeles Kings, and the Calgary Flames. In their first year, the Kraken finished the regular season with a disappointing 60 points, which placed them in 8th position in the Pacific Division and out of playoff contention.

Despite the overall lackluster standings, the 2021-2022 season was important for the Kraken for several reasons:

Player Development: The team focused on developing their young roster, building chemistry, and laying the groundwork for future seasons. Key players like Jared McCann, Yanni Gourde, and Morgan Geekie showed flashes of their potential throughout the season.

Goaltending Challenges: One of the biggest hurdles for the Kraken was their goaltending situation. Both Philipp Grubauer and Chris Driedger struggled to provide the consistent play needed for the team to be competitive. Goaltending will continue to be an area of focus for the franchise moving forward.

Defensive Play: While the Kraken’s defensive unit showed promise, it was inconsistent. The team’s ability to break down opponents’ offenses and protect their net was one of their weaknesses in the first year. However, defensive efforts, especially from players like Mark Giordano, were encouraging for the future.

While the Kraken finished at the bottom of their division in their inaugural season, they learned many lessons that would help them in their future endeavors.

The 2022-2023 Season: A Steady Improvement

The Kraken made significant strides in the 2022-2023 season, showing that their first-year struggles were not an indication of their long-term potential. Although they didn’t make the playoffs in their sophomore season, their improvement in the standings demonstrated that the franchise was on the right track. They finished with 94 points, securing a 7th-place finish in the Pacific Division.

Key developments during the 2022-2023 season included:

Improved Scoring: The Seattle Kraken made strides in their offensive game during the 2022-2023 season. Players like Jared McCann and Vince Dunn emerged as offensive leaders, with McCann finishing the season as the team’s leading goal scorer. This improved production was key in helping the Kraken stay competitive throughout the season.

Goaltending Stability: While the goaltending was still an area of concern, there was more stability compared to their first season. Philipp Grubauer showed flashes of his previous Vezina-caliber form, though he had ups and downs. The team also experimented with younger goalies, which added depth and potential for growth in future seasons.

Team Chemistry: A year of experience allowed the Kraken to build more cohesion as a unit. With continued development from their young players and a growing leadership core, the Kraken were able to perform better as a team, particularly in close games.

Although the Kraken did not make the playoffs, their improvement was a strong sign for the future. The team was now considered to be in the mix for potential playoff contention as their roster continued to mature.

FAQs

What is the current Seattle Kraken standings for the 2023-2024 season?

As of midseason in the 2023-2024 NHL campaign, the Seattle Kraken are performing strongly within the Pacific Division. They have improved significantly since their first few seasons, sitting comfortably in a competitive position. As of the latest update, they are contending for a playoff spot, with a solid record in both home and away games. For the most up-to-date standings, you can visit the NHL official standings page.

When did the Seattle Kraken join the NHL?

The Seattle Kraken officially became the NHL’s 32nd team in 2021. They entered the league as part of an expansion that was eagerly anticipated by hockey fans, particularly those in Seattle, where hockey has deep historical roots. Their first season was the 2021-2022 NHL season.

How did the Kraken perform in their inaugural season?

The Seattle Kraken had a challenging start in their inaugural season (2021-2022), finishing with 60 points and placing 8th in the Pacific Division. This result was expected for a team with such a young roster, and it provided valuable learning experiences. Despite not making the playoffs, the team gained crucial development in building chemistry, and certain players showed promising potential.

Where do the Kraken currently stand in their division?

As of the 2023-2024 season, the Seattle Kraken are positioned in the middle of the Pacific Division standings, with a strong chance of clinching a playoff spot if they continue their consistent play. The Pacific Division remains highly competitive, and the Kraken are closely battling other teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Los Angeles Kings for playoff positioning.

When can we expect the Kraken to make the playoffs?

Given their improvement in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons, the Seattle Kraken are poised to make a playoff run in the near future. The team has shown much better balance in both offensive and defensive play compared to their first season. If the current trend of improved play continues, the Kraken are likely to secure a playoff berth by the end of the 2023-2024 season.

In Summary

The Seattle Kraken standings have steadily improved since their inception, and the team’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. From their humble beginnings in the 2021-2022 season to their promising performance in 2023-2024, the Kraken are on the right path to becoming a playoff contender in the NHL. With an enthusiastic fanbase, strong young players, and a solid coaching staff, the Kraken are quickly establishing themselves as a team to watch in the coming seasons.

Fans of the Kraken and NHL enthusiasts alike should keep a close eye on the team’s progression as they continue to build on their early success and push for a playoff spot in the Pacific Division. The future is undoubtedly bright for Seattle’s newest hockey team, and the journey ahead will be an exciting one to follow.

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