Game 82 last season was a 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The Kraken would finish the year with a 27-49-6 record, second last in the West and 30th overall in the NHL. This season Seattle has nearly flipped it's wins and losses, going 46-27-8 this season, currently holding the top Wild Card spot and 12th in the NHL.

Most pundits did not expect much from the Kraken this season and phrases like "marginal improvements" and "still in the hunt in January" were tossed out. It's been a fantastic ride for the Seattle Kraken fanbase this season and it isn't done yet. Most teams would probably be praying for a chance to play Seattle in the first round, believing them to be the easiest out in the first round. Good. Teams have underestimated this franchise all season and they have been mistaken to do so. Let a team think Seattle an easy out and suddenly be shocked to find themselves down a couple games against them.

Seattle holds it's own fate in their hands to some degree on where they will finish in the standings. A loss tonight means Seattle will be guaranteed to stay in the top Wild Card position and play either the Stars or Avalanche in the first round.

A win tonight may still mean the same thing but if the Kings lose their game against the Ducks than Seattle will take third in the Pacific and play either the Golden Knights or the Oilers, depending on if the Oilers win their game tonight against the Sharks. One way or another, we will know who our first round opponent will be by the end of this evening.

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Tonight will be a good final test for the Kraken against a very good opponent and a chance to see how they matchup against a tough and experienced playoff team. Both the Kraken and Golden Knights have something to play for tonight so I don't expect either team to be resting players or see guys that aren't giving it their all.

As far as the Calder race goes, I think it is still Matty Beniers to lose but Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner is certainly in the conversation and will start tonight. A win for Skinner tonight would break Grant Fuhr's previous record for most wins by a rookie goalie in Oilers history. That is a decent marketing statement that will get some noise around the league. Beniers finding a way to put up 3 points tonight and hitting 60 points on the season would definitely go a long way in helping his case.

Win or lose tonight the real games start soon and the playoffs begin for the Kraken. Can't wait to watch these with all of you.

Thanks for reading!

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