The Kraken are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After their 4-2 win against the Coyotes on Thursday. It officially clinched a wildcard spot for Seattle.

The Seattle Kraken have been one of the most surprising teams in the NHL this year. By finishing last season in last place in the pacific and only having 60 points. To now having 96 points and clinching the first wild card spot in the west.

They join an elite club. By being the third expansion team since 1968-69. To make the playoffs within their first two seasons. The other two teams being the Vegas Golden Knights and Atlanta Flames.

It was an up and down year for Seattle. With them being in a good battle with Vegas for the top spot. They had some good stretches in the season and some pretty bad one which made them fall in the standings. They’ve fell out of the top three division and ended up in the first wild card spot.

The Kraken started to click this year with the team having a year under its belt. They added some good new additions to the team that have helped a lot this year. One of the main new additions was goaltender Martin Jones. He signed in Seattle during free agency last year. He has had a great season with a record of 26-13-3. He was also the Kraken goalie for most of their eight-game win streak in January.

Also having a big impact for the Kraken is rookie forward Matty Beniers. Leading all rookies in points and goals and is the favorite to win the Calder trophy which is awarded to the best rookie that season.

Clinching the wildcard is the first time the Kraken will ever be in the playoffs in franchise history. While clinching playoff is exciting for fans. The Kraken have made some NHL history this year. They were the first NHL team to sweep a road trip of seven or more games ever. Also made history by having 60 points last year to 96 points this year. That’s a +36  difference. Which is the biggest point difference from an expansion team first to second season in NHL history.

While they won’t win the division. They have shown the league that they’re no joke. And gave their fans something to get excited for in the future. Seattle should be excited for some playoff hockey at Climate Pledge Arena this year.