The Kraken Are Mathematically Alive, But Time Is Running Out in the West
The Seattle Kraken picked up a huge win on Saturday night, beating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 at home. But here's the thing: while that victory tastes good in the moment, it doesn't change the harsh reality of where this team sits in the playoff race. Seattle is currently sitting at 77 points, and they're on the outside looking in as the NHL's playoff picture comes into focus down the stretch.
A Crowded Wild Card Picture in the West
The Kraken find themselves in a log jam with playoff implications still technically possible. Utah just clinched the first wild card spot in the Western Conference with 90 points, and Vegas sits at 89 points after their loss to Seattle. Los Angeles is right there too at 85 points. The thing is, Seattle trails all of them. Even with the win over Vegas, the Kraken have some serious ground to make up, and it's getting late in the season to do it.
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While the Kraken battle for their playoff lives, five teams have a chance to punch their ticket to the postseason today. The Boston Bruins can clinch if they beat Tampa Bay. The Ottawa Senators need to beat the Islanders while Detroit loses. The Edmonton Oilers can clinch with just one point against Los Angeles, or if Winnipeg fails to win in regulation. Vegas can clinch if they beat Colorado, or get a point while both Winnipeg and Nashville lose. Even the Anaheim Ducks, who haven't made the playoffs in seven seasons, can clinch if San Jose loses and both Winnipeg and Nashville lose in regulation.
The Reality for Seattle Fans
Look, one win feels great, especially at home against a division rival. But the Kraken need to string together winning streaks while teams ahead of them slip up. That's the only path forward at this point. With 77 points and teams like Nashville at 84 and Winnipeg at 82 also lurking, every game from here on out is basically must-win territory if Seattle wants any shot at October hockey.
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