The Rise of the Kraken: A Preview of Seattle’s Newest NHL Team

Previewing the Seattle Kraken: Can They Compete in the Pacific Division?

History against Vegas

The Seattle Kraken, the newest addition to the Pacific Division, faced a tough challenge against the Vegas Golden Knights in their inaugural season. With a 1-7-0 record against the Golden Knights, the Kraken will need to find a way to overcome their struggles and establish themselves as a competitive team in the division.

Expert Analysis: What THN thinks of the team

According to Glenn Dreyfuss, site editor of The Hockey News’s Seattle Kraken site, the team‘s success last season may not be easily replicated. Despite an impressive 46-win, 100-point season, Dreyfuss highlights some concerns. The Kraken’s 5-on-5 scoring, which was historically good, may be difficult to duplicate due to an unsustainable shooting percentage. Additionally, the team benefited from relatively good overall health, which may not continue in the future. With coach Dave Hakstol’s focus on a four-line, “winning by committee” approach, the team will once again be tested in their depth and ability to perform consistently.

The Kraken’s success will heavily rely on key players such as 40-goal scorer Jared McCann, Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers, and the return of the injured Andre Burakovsky. Dreyfuss also highlights the importance of goalie Philipp Grubauer replicating his stellar playoff form to sustain the team‘s success. Although the Kraken lacked in areas such as special teams, faceoff prowess, and regular-season goaltending, Dreyfuss sees potential for improvement in these areas. He also mentions some promising prospects, including Shane Wright, Tye Kartye, and Ryker Evans, who could make an impact for the team.

Challenges and Projections

While the Kraken aim to take the next step and compete in the Pacific Division, early projections and predictions suggest that they may fall short of challenging the top teams like Vegas, Edmonton, and Los Angeles. Instead, they are expected to be in contention for a playoff spot alongside Calgary and Vancouver.

Considering the moderate threat level, it is crucial for the Kraken to address their weaknesses from last season and build on their strengths. The team will need to maintain their depth and commit to their “winning by committee” philosophy. Alongside established players, the development and contribution of young prospects will play a significant role in their success.

Editorial: Striving for Success in the Pacific Division

A Challenge of Consistency and Depth

As the Seattle Kraken enter their second season, they face the daunting task of establishing themselves as a formidable contender in the Pacific Division. While their debut season showcased moments of brilliance, there are concerns on whether they can sustain that level of success.

One of the key challenges lies in replicating their historically good 5-on-5 scoring. Last season’s shooting percentage was unlikely to be duplicated, and the team will need to find other ways to generate offense. Building scoring depth beyond their top players will be crucial in maintaining consistency over the course of the season.

Furthermore, worries about the team‘s overall health loom large. The Kraken were fortunate to have relatively few injuries last season, but the unpredictable nature of the game means that they cannot rely on the same luck moving forward. Maintaining a healthy roster and having sufficient depth to weather any injuries will be essential for the team‘s sustained success.

Developing Prospects and Building for the Future

While the Kraken do not have a true superstar, their success will depend on the collective contributions of the entire roster. Coach Dave Hakstol’s “winning by committee” approach requires consistent performance from all four lines. This strategy helps distribute the workload and prevents over-reliance on specific players.

One source of optimism lies in the young prospects that the Kraken have brought in. Notable players such as Shane Wright, Tye Kartye, and Ryker Evans have impressed in camp and are expected to make an impact on the team‘s success. Their infusion of youthful energy and talent can provide a necessary boost, especially during the demanding stretches of the season.

Advice for the Seattle Kraken

• Embrace the underdog mentality: To overcome the challenges they face as a new team, the Kraken should embrace the underdog mentality and use it as motivation. Proving doubters wrong and exceeding expectations can create a winning culture within the locker room.
• Strive for consistent offensive production: While it may be challenging to replicate their exceptional shooting percentage from last season, the Kraken should focus on developing secondary scoring options to alleviate pressure from their top players.
• Invest in player development: The growth and development of young prospects will be crucial in establishing long-term success for the franchise. Continuously investing in player development and providing opportunities for young talent to flourish will pay dividends in the future.
• Foster a resilient and adaptable mindset: As injuries are an inevitable part of the game, the team should focus on fostering a resilient and adaptable mindset. Building depth throughout the organization ensures that injuries do not derail their season.
• Build on their playoff experience: The Kraken’s success in their debut playoff appearance provides a foundation upon which they can build. Analyzing and learning from their playoff run will enable them to refine their strategies and make necessary adjustments for future success.

In the competitive landscape of the Pacific Division, the Seattle Kraken face an uphill battle to establish themselves as contenders. However, with a well-balanced roster, a commitment to team depth, and continuous improvement, they have the potential to surprise their opponents and carve out a place among the elite in the division.