The National Hockey League (NHL) is no stranger to expansion teams, but the Kraken are on track to break the record for the most successful second-year expansion team in league history. The Kraken, based in Seattle, Washington, joined the NHL in 2021 and have already made a huge impact on the league.
The Kraken have been a force to be reckoned with since their inception. In their first season, they finished with a record of 39-26-4, good for third place in the Pacific Division and a playoff berth. They went on to make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they were eventually defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the loss, the Kraken’s success in their inaugural season was enough to put them on track to break the NHL record for most successful second-year expansion team.
The Kraken have continued their success in their second season, currently sitting atop the Pacific Division with a record of 43-20-4. They have been led by their star players, such as captain and center Mathew Barzal and goaltender Ilya Samsonov. Barzal has been a force on offense, leading the team in points with 57. Samsonov has been equally impressive in net, posting a .927 save percentage and a 2.09 goals against average.
The Kraken’s success can also be attributed to their strong coaching staff. Head coach Ron Francis has done an excellent job of utilizing his players’ strengths and putting them in positions to succeed. He has also done an excellent job of fostering a winning culture within the organization.
If the Kraken can continue their success and make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals in their second season, they will have broken the NHL record for most successful second-year expansion team. It will be an impressive feat that will likely stand for many years to come. The Kraken have already made a huge impact on the NHL and are well on their way to becoming one of the league’s premier teams.
