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For the first time in franchise history, the Seattle Kraken have made the playoffs. After a last place finish in their inaugural season, the Kraken have turned things around to clinch a wild card spot in this year’s NHL playoffs.
WE. ARE. IN.
Your Seattle Kraken are going to the #StanleyCup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history! pic.twitter.com/pMH8mIDmxJ
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) April 7, 2023
Balanced Attack
A big part of the Kraken’s success this season has been their ability to get production from many different parts of the lineup. With four games left to play, the Kraken have six different players who have recorded 19+ goals on the season. Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol is proud of his team’s continued commitment this season.
Leading the team in goals is forward Jared McCann with 38. The 26 year-old has really burst onto the scene for the Kraken this season. His previous career-high for points in a season was 50. McCann already has 66 points this season.
Right behind McCann is defenseman Vince Dunn with 64 points so far on the season. Dunn has been Seattle’s best playmaker this year, leading the team with 50 assists. He is in the top ten in the NHL for points by a defenseman.
Another major contributor for the Kraken this season has been the play of 20-year-old rookie Matty Beniers. He leads the league in points for a rookie with 56 (23G, 33A) and is expected to win the Calder Trophy, the NHL’s award for most outstanding rookie.
Seattle Kraken: Season at a Glance
Seattle struggled out of the gates this season starting 3-4-2 in their first nine games. But after losing to the winless Vancouver Canucks on October 27, the Kraken hit their stride.
Seattle rattled off 12 wins in their next 14 games to improve their record to 15-5-3. The Kraken didn’t look back after this, staying above .500 for the rest of the season.
One of the biggest moments of the season was when the Kraken started 2023 on an eight game winning streak. Seattle was hovering around the .500 line at this point, so this winning streak was a major boost to the team’s playoff chances.
The NHL Playoffs begin on April 17.
