The month of March wasn’t as kind to the Seattle Kraken as they hoped for, but they still managed to capture eight wins and 18 points in 14 games. Unfortunately, they now find themselves in the Wild Card battle as the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, and Vegas Golden Knights have pulled away in the standings. Here is a look at five stories from March 2023.
Kraken Can Taste The Playoffs
With eight games remaining on the season, the Kraken are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot. With a relatively easy schedule that includes facing the Arizona Coyotes three times and the Chicago Blackhawks once, Seattle should be able to secure a playoff before the final week of the regular season. The team is also projected to finish the season with at or above 100 points, which is a far cry from the 60 points they put up last season.
These last eight games are important because they will determine whether or not the Kraken will enter the playoff through the Pacific Division or the Wild Card. As of writing, the Kraken would be set to face off against the Minnesota Wild, who they are 1-2 against this season and 2-4 over the past two years. Regardless of the opponent, the Kraken will be underdogs in the first round and will need to come out swinging if they want to capture their first-ever playoff series victory.
Firebirds Clinch First-Ever Postseason Berth
The Coachella Valley Firebirds have been one of the best stories across the American Hockey League (AHL) all season. Not only have they clinched a playoff spot in their inaugural season, but they also sit second across the league with 92 points and are just four back of the Calgary Wranglers for first. With nine games left in the campaign that includes a six-game home stand, it is safe to say they also will eclipse the 100-point mark this season.
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The Kraken organization has done a great job this season in surrounding their young players with experienced veterans down in the AHL. Whether that is Matt Tennyson, Max McCormick or Andrew Poturalski, these older players continue to lead this team and are helping shape the future in Seattle. Head coach Dan Bylsma along with assistant coaches Stu Bickel and Jessica Campbell also deserves a ton of credit for how they have shaped this team over the season. Expect plenty of excitement in the desert over the next few weeks as the regular…
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