The Seattle Kraken are making things interesting out West.
With a 3-2 win over the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night, the Kraken not only improved to 2-0 against Vegas this season-they also extended their win streak to four games and pulled within three points of both the Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers. And in a division where six teams are packed within six points of first place, every inch matters.
Kaapo Kakko delivered the dagger in this one, breaking a 2-2 tie just over three minutes into the third period. It was a clutch moment in a game that felt like a playoff preview, and it capped off a performance that showed just how dangerous this Kraken team can be when they’re rolling.
But here’s the thing: in the Pacific Division, momentum is fragile. Seattle’s recent surge has them sitting third, but just four days ago, they were on the outside of the playoff picture.
That’s how tight things are in the NHL’s most competitive division. One cold stretch, and you’re chasing.
One hot streak, and you’re suddenly in striking distance of the top.
That’s what makes the next two games so critical. Seattle heads to Southern California this week for back-to-back matchups before the NHL pauses for the Winter Olympic break.
On Tuesday, they’ll face the Anaheim Ducks. On Wednesday, it’s the Los Angeles Kings.
Both teams are sitting on 59 points-just two back of Seattle-and locked in a dead heat for the final Western Conference wild card spot.
These aren’t just midseason games. These are playoff-style battles in disguise, with postseason positioning on the line and not a lot of breathing room left. The Kraken close out their regular season on April 16, but the implications of this week could echo all the way to that final horn.
Seattle’s been here before-briefly. The franchise has made the playoffs just once in its four-year history, earning a spot after the 2022-23 season. They’re hoping to make that a trend, not an exception.
Anaheim, meanwhile, is trying to break a drought that dates back to 2018. The Kings have been more consistent, reaching the postseason each of the last four years-but each time, they’ve run into the Edmonton Oilers in the first round and failed to advance. This season carries added weight for LA, with 38-year-old captain Anze Kopitar playing what could be his final campaign.
Then there’s San Jose, lurking just behind the pack with 58 points. The Sharks haven’t sniffed the playoffs since 2019, but they’re right in the thick of the race.
And don’t forget the Central Division’s influence on the wild card picture. The Utah Mammoth currently hold the top Western wild card spot, while the Nashville Predators are also in the mix. That adds even more pressure on every Pacific team trying to secure a ticket to the dance.
So yes, it’s still early February. And yes, nearly a third of the regular season remains. But if you’re the Kraken, the playoffs have already started.