Rink Royalty
Fansided

Analyzing LA Kings Potential Stanley Cup Playoffs Opponents

By Ryan Gagne

Feb 28, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Los Angeles Kings celebrate their shoot out win over the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Los Angeles Kings celebrate their shoot out win over the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

Seattle Kraken

One of the most exciting storylines of the 2022-23 season has been the success of the second-year expansion team, the Seattle Kraken. During their inaugural campaign, they finished with the third-worst record at 27-49-6 and 60 points.

Surprisingly, the Kraken has been in contention for a top spot in the division and conference, thanks in part to an epic eight-game win streak in January, which included a shutout victory over the league’s best team, the Boston Bruins.

Nov. 29, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) and Seattle Kraken left wing Brandon Tanev (13) battle for the puck in the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 29, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) and Seattle Kraken left wing Brandon Tanev (13) battle for the puck in the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Even though the team has had its fair share of injuries, peaks, and valleys during the year, they only recently fell out of the third seed in the division. Despite trailing the Oilers by a single point, the two teams will meet again in what will become a critical game for all Pacific Division teams.

Ultimately, the Kings should hope to avoid any playoff matchups with the upstart Kraken this year since the new club has gone a perfect 3-0 against their California rivals, including back-to-back overtime wins. Moreover, their last meeting on Nov. 29, 2022, was a 9-8 slobber knocker, with the Kraken winning just 2:08 into the extra period.

Moreover, the game was the best and worse for the Kings, resulting in the most goals scored and allowed in a single game this year. Even though these two teams will meet one final time on Apr. 1, it appears the Kraken has the Kings’ number this year and would be a team to avoid in the postseason.

Home/Analysis