The 2022-23 NHL season marked a significant milestone in the Seattle Kraken’s young history, as it stands as their most successful season to date. After a disappointing inaugural year, where they finished last in the Pacific Division, the Kraken made a remarkable comeback in their second season. They managed to claw their way to the playoffs, securing their first-ever postseason appearance. This achievement was driven by a combination of solid performances across the roster, including franchise-record-setting moments.
The Kraken finished the regular season with an impressive 46-28-8 record, which allowed them to surpass 100 points for the first time in franchise history. This strong performance helped them secure the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference, marking a dramatic improvement from their previous season. Forward Jared McCann played a pivotal role in their success, recording 40 goals and 30 assists for a total of 70 points, a franchise record that still stands. McCann’s offensive contributions were complemented by the solid goaltending of Martin Jones, who posted a 27-13-3 record with three shutouts, solidifying his role as a key player in the Kraken’s success.
The team’s performance in the postseason was a historic achievement. As the first wildcard team in the Western Conference, the Kraken faced the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, in the first round. In a thrilling seven-game series, Seattle managed to overcome the Avalanche, securing their first-ever playoff series victory. This accomplishment was a major achievement for the franchise, as they proved their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level.
However, the Kraken’s playoff run was short-lived, as they were eliminated in the second round by the Dallas Stars. Much like their first-round series, the second round went to a decisive Game 7, but this time the Kraken were on the losing end. Despite the loss, the team’s performance in the 2022-23 season was a tremendous success, as they exceeded expectations and proved they could compete with some of the best teams in the league.
Looking ahead, the 2022-23 season remains the most successful in Kraken history, but the question remains whether the 2024-25 campaign can surpass it. With the team’s core players continuing to develop and improve, there is hope that the Kraken can build on this success and make a deeper playoff run in future seasons. The 2022-23 season has set a high bar for the franchise, and only time will tell if they can achieve even greater heights.
