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As the NHL expands its reach with the addition of the Seattle Kraken as the league’s 32nd team, hockey fans are eagerly anticipating matchups with established teams. One such intriguing matchup is between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Seattle Kraken. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when these two teams hit the ice.
09 APRIL 2023
TIME: 10:00 PM ET
Team Overview:
The Chicago Blackhawks, coached by Jeremy Colliton, are a franchise with a rich history. They have won six Stanley Cup championships (1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013, 2015) and have made numerous playoff appearances. The Blackhawks have a talented forward group, including Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who are known for their offensive skill and playmaking ability. They also have a strong defensive core, featuring players like Duncan Keith and Connor Murphy, who can contribute offensively and play solid defense in their own zone. However, in recent years, the Blackhawks have undergone a rebuilding phase, with a mix of young prospects and experienced veterans, as they look to reestablish themselves as contenders in the NHL.
On the other hand, the Seattle Kraken, led by coach Dave Hakstol, are a new franchise with an exciting roster of players selected in the expansion draft. The Kraken have a balanced lineup with a mix of skilled forwards, solid defensemen, and promising goaltending. Players like Jaden Schwartz and Jordan Eberle bring offensive firepower, while defensemen like Mark Giordano and Adam Larsson provide veteran leadership on the blue line. The Kraken also have a promising goaltending tandem of Philipp Grubauer and Chris Driedger, who have shown their capabilities in previous seasons.
Playing Style:
The Chicago Blackhawks are known for their up-tempo and offensive-minded style of play. They like to push the pace, create scoring chances off the rush, and generate offense through skill and creativity. The Blackhawks have a strong power play and excel in transition, often catching opponents off-guard with their speed and skill in the offensive zone. However, their defensive play has been a concern in recent years, and they will need to tighten up their defensive zone coverage to be successful.
As a new franchise, the playing style of the Seattle Kraken is yet to be fully determined. However, based on the players selected in the expansion draft, it is expected that they will play a structured and defensively responsible game. The Kraken will likely rely on a strong defensive core and solid goaltending to keep games close and capitalize on scoring opportunities. They may adopt a conservative style of play, prioritizing defensive coverage and limiting opponents’ scoring chances.
Team History:
The Chicago Blackhawks have a storied history in the NHL, with a passionate fan base and a tradition of success. The team has a loyal following and has experienced periods of dominance, particularly in recent years with their three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. The Blackhawks have also had many legendary players in their history, including Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Denis Savard, who have left a lasting impact on the franchise.
As a new franchise, the Seattle Kraken have yet to establish their team history. However, they have already generated excitement among hockey fans, and their inaugural season is highly anticipated. The Kraken have built their roster through the expansion draft and have the opportunity to create their own unique team culture and identity as they begin their journey in the NHL.
Potential Rivalry:
While the Chicago Blackhawks and the Seattle Kraken have not yet played each other in the NHL, the potential for a new rivalry between these two teams is intriguing. The Kraken, as a new team, will be looking to make their mark in the league, and facing an established franchise like the Blackhawks could ignite a spirited competition.
