Seattle Kraken Archives

On April 13, 2023

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Tonight the two youngest franchises will face each other for their 2022-23 regular season finale. Both opponents have qualified and have begun planning for the postseason. While many believed the Kraken were miles behind the Golden Knights in immediate success, the 32nd franchise caught up in their second season. However, the expectations for Seattle are far less demanding than Vegas’ first playoff appearance.

The biggest thing for us to be able to show improvement from where we were last year as a new franchise in a new market, trying to show our fan base that, hey, we’re getting better, we’re moving in the right direction was what we were trying to accomplish. All you have to do is get into the playoffs. Every team that gets into the playoffs has a chance, right? You want an invitation to the dance and then you go from there. -Ron Francis, Kraken GM

After 81 games the Kraken are locked into the Western Conference’s first wild card spot. Sure, there are seeding implications that could occur during tonight’s game but chances are Seattle will be the #7 seed in the west. Whereas, Vegas entered the playoffs in their first season as the Pacific Division’s number one contender.

1st Franchise Playoff Appearance

Vegas: 2017-18 (First Season)

1st in Pacific Division
109 Points
272 Goals Scored
228 Goals Allowed
21.37% Power Play
+44 Goal Differential
40 Goal Scorer – William Karlsson (43)

Seattle: 2022-23 (Second Season)

1st Wild Card
100 Points
288 Goals Scored
249 Goals Allowed
20.08% Power Play
+35 Goal Differential
40 Goal Scorer – Jared McCann (40)

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 SEATTLE KRAKEN 1 (50-22-9, 109 PTS)

On April 11, 2023

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Golden Knights hosted division rivals Seattle Kraken for their final home game of the regular season. Michael Amadio opened the scoring five minutes into the game, recording his 15th goal of the season. Minutes later the Kraken evened the score at 1-1.

Quickly into the middle frame Amadio netted another goal to make it 2-1 Golden Knights. The forward almost had a hat trick but Reilly Smith took advantage of an offensive rush and extended Vegas’ lead. After 40 minutes the home team held a 3-1 edge.

Jonathan Marchessault gave Vegas a commanding 4-1 with a third period power play goal. Vegas fought off a Seattle man-advantage to preserve their three goal lead.

The Golden Knights record improves to 50-22-9 defeating the Kraken 4-1. Vegas will travel up to Seattle for their series finale on Thursday night. The rematch against the Kraken is scheduled for 7:30 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The game was fairly open in the 1st period which played a little more into Seattle’s hands. But, in the 2nd, VGK had seen enough of that and the speed was all going one way. The Golden Knights did what they’ve done to the Kraken many times by smothering them in the neutral zone and utilizing transition to generate tons of chances. Unfortunately, Edmonton won so the division (and conference) crown will have to wait until Thursday. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Seattle Kraken at T-Mobile Arena.

VGK Fans Hoping Next Two Games Are Not A 1st-Round Preview

On March 25, 2023

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Since the NHL trade deadline, the Golden Knights are 9-2-0. It’s an impressive run for a team reconfiguring its lineup in preparation for the playoffs. So far, deadline acquisitions Ivan Barbashev and Teddy Blueger have fit right and added impact to both the top and bottom six. In fact, Vegas has one of the highest goals per game averages since March 3rd (3.90). The local club is unquestionably heading into the postseason in the right direction.

Really good win for us. Big win. It tells something, you have depth in the team. Every single line is doing their job. -Ivan Barbashev

With their consistent, successful play of late the Golden Knights look ready for any potential first-round matchup. Unfortunately, injuries have crept up on the Golden Knights in the past couple of weeks. Reilly Smith and Logan Thompson were the latest to be infected by the injury bug but there is plenty of time left for both to heal and rejoin their teammates. So pushing the injuries aside let’s take a look at the teams Vegas could host in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Winnipeg Jets

If the season ended today, the Golden Knights would welcome the Winnipeg Jets for a best-of-seven-game series. What would be a matchup of the 2018 Western Conference finals, Vegas should feel comfortable facing the Jets. This season Vegas is a perfect 3-0-0 against Winnipeg. Sure, two were tight games but the 31st franchise came away with six standings points to the Jets one. On the other hand, Winnipeg’s lineup is led by one of the best goaltenders in the NHL.

Currently, Connor Hellebuyck is tied for the second lowest odds to win the Vezina Trophy behind runaway candidate Linus Ullmark. The Jets goalie is holding teams to 2.55 goals per game, is top three in Goalie Point shares (12.2), and top four in goals saved above replacement (24). When you tie in Hellebuyck’s superb numbers with the Golden Knights struggling expected goals for numbers, a first-round matchup against the Jets doesn’t look as one-sided as it was in the regular season. While Vegas will be a favorite to win the first-round series, it could come down to the Golden Knights goalies outperforming the 2020 Vezina award winner.

VGK Earns High Respect In Latest NHL Power Rankings

On March 18, 2023

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

In exactly one month from yesterday the NHL playoffs will begin. Barring any major collapses, the Golden Knights will be one of the Western Conference’s most dangerous participants. However, some continue to doubt Vegas as a serious Stanley Cup contender. For example, MoneyPuck’s Power Rankings list the Golden Knights as the league’s 16th best team.

Over the years the Golden Knights front office built a team well-suited for the postseason. Six players have customized championship rings, and 12 others have playoff experience. Experience makes a different in the NHL’s second season. While MoneyPuck’s computer model doubts Vegas’ chances, several other Power Rankings are much more favorable to the 31st franchise. Here are the latest rankings from hockey outlets across the league.

Sportsnet – VGK #2

As you’d expect with a team dubbed the ‘Golden Misfits’ in their early expansion days, there is no shortage of guys who beat the odds in Vegas. All three members of the original ‘Misfit Line’ — William Karlsson between Reilly Smith and undrafted Jonathan Marchessault — are still there and have been joined by a captain, in Mark Stone, who was a sixth-round selection with questionable skating; Chandler Stephenson, a third-rounder who immediately became a top-six centre after Vegas fleeced Washington for his services; and undrafted goalie Logan Thompson, who was in the thick of the Calder Trophy race before getting hurt this season.- Ryan Dixon, Sportsnet

The Canadian avenue clearly respects the Golden Knights lineup enough to have them one spot below the high-powered Boston Bruins and higher than two teams with better records. It’s possible Sportsnet sees an easier postseason path for Vegas, or that their newly formed lineup is deep enough for a Cup run. Would Sportsnet rank Vegas higher than Boston if Mark Stone were healthy in time for the playoffs? That’s a bit of a stretch.

The Hockey News – VGK #3

The Knights are on a tear with four straight wins and seven of their past eight. They still haven’t really missed a beat despite being on their fourth starter in Jonathan Quick, who’s 4-0-0 with the Knights. As it stands, the Knights and Kings will face each other in the second round of the playoffs if they advance.- Jason Chen, THN

THN posted their latest Power Rankings before the Golden Knights last contest, but it would be difficult to drop Vegas more than two or three spots. Jonathan Quick’s success with Vegas has given the Pacific Division leader more security in net after injuries to virtually every Golden Knights goaltender.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS WILL PLAY IN 2024 WINTER CLASSIC

On January 2, 2023

In Breaking News

The NHL announced today that the Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken will faceoff in the 2024 Winter Classic.

The game will be played at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners, on January 1st, 2024.

This will be VGK’s second ever outdoor game after playing at Lake Tahoe in February 2021.

SEATTLE KRAKEN 4 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 (16-5-1, 33 PTS)

On November 25, 2022

The Golden Knights hosted the Seattle Kraken for the first of a back-to-back set at T-Mobile Arena. The Kraken opened the scoring 2:38 into the game and took a 2-0 advantage six minutes later. Vegas worked their way back and evened the score at 2-2 before the 1st intermission.

Like the 1st period, Seattle came out strong and scored in the opening five minutes of the middle frame. The Kraken would later double their lead late in the 2nd period and held a 4-2 lead after 40 minutes of action.

The offense dried up for both teams in the 3rd period. Vegas went scoreless over the final 40 minutes, mustering only six shots on net in the frame.

The Golden Knights record drops to (16-5-1) falling to the Kraken 4-2. It was Vegas’ first loss to Seattle in franchise history. The Golden Knights get right back to work tomorrow night against the Vancouver Canucks. Puck drop is scheduled for 7P PT. (Recap by Jason)

Too much turkey last night
— Roger_Wilco (@Roger_Wilco_UFP) November 26, 2022

@SinBinVegas Everything just looks so hard for us tonight, and the Kraken seem to be flying all over the place.
— Vigilante (@Vigilan26533970) November 26, 2022

They’ll be more awake after Cassidy yells at them 🤣
— z-VGK Debbie (@DebbieLynneC) November 26, 2022

(Analysis/Tweets by SinBin.vegas community)

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 SEATTLE KRAKEN 2 (3-0-0 6 PTS)

On October 15, 2022

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Golden Knights traveled to Seattle to take on a divisional game against the Kraken. On Vegas’ opening shift Keegan Kolesar opened the scoring with his first goal of the season off a feed from William Carrier. Jonathan Marchessault doubled the lead scoring VGK’s first power play goal of the game.

Six and a half minutes into the middle frame, Reilly Smith tucked in the Golden Knights second PP goal. Later in the period, Marchessault added his second of the night and Shea Theodore closed the period with his first of 2022-23.

The 3rd period happened because the league mandates it. Seattle scored a few times.

The Golden Knights remain undefeated with their 5-0 victory in Seattle. Vegas will have a couple of days off before they take on the Flames in Calgary on Tuesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: A complete and utter fanny whacking in every way. The Golden Knights hopped all over a few early Kraken mistakes, then started playing from ahead and just allowed the rest of the game to come to them. They were good in the defensive zone and Adin Hill was good behind them and the rest was just waiting for the myriad of odd-man rushes the Kraken always hand out. (Recap by Ken)

VGK Set To Advance Next Postseason Against Weak Pacific

On May 12, 2022

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Throughout team history, Vegas averages 102 points over an 82 game season. This season, 102 points would’ve earned Vegas a third place finish in the Pacific Division and a seven game series against Edmonton. There’s a strong case that a healthy Golden Knights roster would’ve given the Oilers a run for their money.

There are no excuses and we need to have a good start and go from there, but this is part of playoff hockey and you’re going to go through adversity. There are no easy games and no easy series, so we’re going to be prepared to go .-Ryan Nugent Hopkins, EDM forward

So far, only the Central Division has had a team eliminated. In a few days, it’s possible two of three Pacific Division teams are sent home packing as well. Sure, Calgary is up a game but Dallas hasn’t been an easy opponent. In the other western series, the Oilers have fallen right into the trap of the underdog Kings. It’s premature but none of the three Pacific teams are looking like favorites to win the Stanley Cup.

Let’s say the Golden Knights are healthy enough next season to make the playoffs. If they top off at 102 points they would likely be the second or third team coming out of the Pacific. In that case, Vegas would be guaranteed to face off against a divisional rival. Chances are the familiar faces will be in play in 2022-23. Which statistically favors the Golden Knights.

It’s not just about scoring. There’s a lot more to the game than that.-Daryl Sutter, CGY coach

Since 2017-18, Vegas has a total of 464 points. The Golden Knights have earned more than a third from inside their division. Excluding the now Central Division Coyotes, the Golden Knights have tallied 176 Pacific Division points in 119 games. That’s a hearty .676 winning % against the teams Vegas faces most and in the opening rounds of the playoffs.

Golden Knights fans have now watched how predictable the Pacific division has been for half a decade. LA in and Vegas out was the only real surprise over that period. The landscape will likely stay the same next season.

When the oddsmakers set the lines for next season’s divisional leaders the Golden Knights are likely to be the favorite. Other teams have areas to address as well. Calgary will have to make some big decisions, so will Edmonton, San Jose and Vancouver. LA’s quick climb to the postseason will be interesting if it keeps up, especially if a healthy Vegas team is rolling. In year six no matter what changes have been made the Golden Knights will have a chance to fight for the division and form a path to another conference final. It’s that easy, depending on offseason changes.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 SEATTLE KRAKEN 2 (38-28-4 80 PTS)