The National Hockey League (NHL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and every season brings excitement, rivalries, and fierce competition. One of the most intriguing matchups in the NHL is between the Seattle Kraken and the Dallas Stars. Both teams have unique histories, styles of play, and fanbases, making this matchup one to watch.
05 MAY 2023
TIME: 09:30 PM ET
Seattle Kraken: The Newest Team in the NHL
The Dallas Stars will play the Seattle Kraken in the Western Conference Second Round.
The Stars, who are the No. 2 seed from the Central Division, will have home-ice advantage against the Kraken, the first wild card in the West. Game 1 is Tuesday at Dallas (9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS).
Dallas advanced by eliminating the Minnesota Wild with a 4-1 win in Game 6 of the best-of-7 first round at Excel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday.
Despite being a new team, the Kraken have quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL. The team is led by head coach Dave Hakstol, who previously coached the Philadelphia Flyers, and they have a talented roster of players, including goaltender Philipp Grubauer and forwards Jaden Schwartz and Jordan Eberle.
Dallas Stars: A Legacy of Success
The Dallas Stars have a long and storied history in the NHL. The team was founded in 1967 as the Minnesota North Stars and moved to Dallas in 1993. Since then, the Stars have won two Western Conference championships and one Stanley Cup championship in 1999. The team’s colors are green, black, and white, and their logo features a stylized star.
The Stars are led by head coach Rick Bowness, who has been with the team since 2019. The team has a talented roster of players, including goaltender Anton Khudobin and forwards Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn.
Style of Play: Seattle’s Defense vs. Dallas’s Offense
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Seattle vs. Dallas matchup is the contrast in styles of play between the two teams. The Kraken are known for their strong defensive play, with a focus on limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities. The team’s defensive core includes players like Mark Giordano, Jamie Oleksiak, and Adam Larsson, who are all strong skaters and physical players.
On the other hand, the Stars are known for their offensive firepower, with a focus on scoring goals in bunches. The team’s top line of Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, and Alexander Radulov is one of the most dynamic in the NHL, and they have a number of other talented forwards who can put the puck in the net.
Key Players to Watch
While both teams have talented rosters, there are a few key players who could make a big impact on the outcome of the game. For the Kraken, goaltender Philipp Grubauer will be a key player to watch. Grubauer had a stellar season in 2021-2022, posting a .922 save percentage and a 2.06 goals-against average. If he can continue his strong play, he could give the Kraken a chance to win.
For the Stars, forward Tyler Seguin will be a key player to watch. Seguin missed much of the 2021-2022 season due to injury, but he is one of the most talented players in the NHL when healthy. If he can find his form and start producing points, he could give the Stars a significant advantage.
Fanbases: Seattle’s New Fans vs. Dallas’s Established Fans
Another interesting aspect of the Seattle vs. Dallas matchup is the contrast between the two teams’ fanbases. The Kraken are a new team, and their fans are still establishing traditions and developing a culture around the team.