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The National Hockey League (NHL) welcomed a new team, the Seattle Kraken, in the 2021-2022 season, and with that, a new rivalry was born with the Vegas Golden Knights. Both teams are part of the Western Conference and play in the Pacific Division, setting the stage for exciting matchups and intense competition. In this post, we will delve into the budding rivalry between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken, exploring their history, playing styles, key players, and the anticipation for their future matchups.
14 APRIL 2023
TIME: 10:30 PM ET
History of the Rivalry:
As a newly established team, the Seattle Kraken have yet to establish a long history with the Vegas Golden Knights. However, rivalries in the NHL can ignite quickly, fueled by the competitive nature of the sport, passionate fans, and close proximity of teams. The Pacific Division is known for its fierce rivalries, and the Vegas vs. Seattle matchup is expected to be no different.
The Vegas Golden Knights were established in 2017 as an expansion team and quickly made a name for themselves by reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season. They have since been a perennial playoff team and a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. Their success and high level of play have earned them a reputation as a formidable opponent, setting the stage for an exciting rivalry with the new kid on the block, the Seattle Kraken.
Playing Styles:
The Vegas Golden Knights are known for their fast-paced, high-pressure playing style. They have a strong offensive core led by players like Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, and William Karlsson, who can generate scoring chances from anywhere on the ice. Defensively, the Golden Knights have a solid blue line anchored by players like Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo, who can contribute offensively as well as shut down opponents.
On the other hand, the Seattle Kraken have yet to establish a consistent playing style as a new team. However, they have a mix of experienced veterans and young talent, creating an intriguing lineup. The Kraken’s defensive corps, led by players like Mark Giordano and Adam Larsson, is expected to be a strong point for the team. They also have promising young forwards like Jordan Eberle and Joonas Donskoi, who can provide offensive firepower.
Key Players:
Both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken have key players who are expected to make an impact in their matchups. For the Golden Knights, Mark Stone stands out as their captain and a key player in their lineup. Stone is a highly skilled forward known for his two-way play, exceptional vision, and leadership on the ice. He has been a consistent point producer for the Golden Knights and a driving force in their offensive attack.
Another key player for the Golden Knights is goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who was acquired in the expansion draft by the Kraken but later traded back to the Chicago Blackhawks. Fleury was a fan favorite in Vegas and played a crucial role in their success, winning the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender in the 2020-2021 season. His absence from the Golden Knights and potential matchups against his former team with the Kraken adds an intriguing storyline to the rivalry.
For the Seattle Kraken, Mark Giordano stands out as their captain and a key player on the blue line. Giordano is a veteran defenseman known for his leadership, defensive prowess, and offensive contributions. He was the former captain of the Calgary Flames and brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Kraken’s lineup. Another key player for the Kraken is Jordan Eberle, who was acquired in the expansion draft from the New York Islanders. Eberle is a skilled forward with a scoring touch and is expected.
