Seattle waited decades for hockey, and when the Kraken finally arrived, they brought with them a distinct brand of hard work, grit, and exhilarating moments. In just a few short seasons, this expansion franchise has already carved out an unforgettable history, from record-breaking individual achievements to shocking playoff upsets that sent tremors through the NHL. The Emerald City has embraced its hockey team wholeheartedly, and these ten moments are the foundational blocks upon which a lasting legacy is being built.
10. Ryan Donato Scores the First Franchise Goal
On October 12, 2021, the Seattle Kraken officially etched their name into the NHL record books, and it was Ryan Donato who provided the historic first. Against the rival Vegas Golden Knights, Donato snapped a wrist shot past Robin Lehner in the second period, giving the nascent franchise its inaugural tally. While the game ultimately ended in a loss, that moment was a beacon of hope and a promise of what was to come, a testament to the players who were building the team from the ground up and the fans eagerly watching every stride.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Kraken GP (2021-22) | 74 |
| Kraken Goals (2021-22) | 16 |
| Kraken Assists (2021-22) | 15 |
| Kraken Points (2021-22) | 31 |
9. Jared McCann's First Home Goal at Climate Pledge Arena
The Kraken's long-awaited home debut on October 23, 2021, against the Vancouver Canucks, was an electric affair, even if the result wasn't what fans hoped for. However, the first goal scored at Climate Pledge Arena belonged to none other than Jared McCann. His power-play goal in the second period sent an absolute roar through the packed house, a moment of pure euphoria as the Seattle faithful celebrated their team's first true "home" highlight. It was a pivotal connection between the team and its passionate new fanbase, igniting the arena with the sound of a city finally with its own NHL team.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Kraken GP (2021-22) | 74 |
| Kraken Goals (2021-22) | 27 |
| Kraken Pts (2021-22) | 50 |
| First Home Goal Date | Oct 23, 2021 |
8. Matty Beniers' NHL Debut and First Goal
The future of the Seattle Kraken officially arrived on April 9, 2022, when Matty Beniers, the team's first-ever draft pick, made his NHL debut. Just four days later, against the very same Calgary Flames, Beniers scored his first professional goal, a smooth finish that immediately showcased his offensive talent. The excitement surrounding his arrival was palpable, as fans knew they were witnessing the debut of a foundational player. His immediate impact, blending high-end skill with relentless effort, signaled a turning point for the franchise, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the Kraken's bright future.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Debut Date | April 9, 2022 |
| First Goal Date | April 13, 2022 |
| Games Played (2021-22) | 10 |
| Goals (2021-22) | 3 |
| Points (2021-22) | 9 |
7. Jared McCann Becomes the First Kraken to Score 40 Goals
In the Kraken's sophomore season, Jared McCann elevated his game to unforeseen heights, becoming the first player in franchise history to reach the coveted 40-goal plateau. On April 4, 2023, against the Arizona Coyotes, McCann potted his 40th, a remarkable achievement that solidified his status as an elite sniper and offensive leader for Seattle. His consistent scoring touch and relentless drive proved instrumental in the Kraken's dramatic turnaround, silencing any doubters about his ability to be a true top-line threat in the NHL and giving the team a much-needed offensive anchor.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals (2022-23) | 40 |
| Assists (2022-23) | 30 |
| Points (2022-23) | 70 |
| Shooting % (2022-23) | 17.0% |
6. Dominating the Vegas Golden Knights at the Winter Classic
The 2024 NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park was more than just a hockey game; it was a celebration of Seattle and its growing hockey culture. Facing their divisional rivals, the Vegas Golden Knights, the Kraken delivered a performance for the ages. A dominant 3-0 shutout victory, played under the lights of a packed baseball stadium, was a statement game on a national stage. Joey Daccord's heroics in net and goals from Eeli Tolvanen, Yanni Gourde, and Adam Larsson, showed the world the Kraken's grit and determination, leaving an indelible mark on Seattle's sports landscape and establishing a new tradition.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Date | January 1, 2024 |
| Final Score | SEA 3, VGK 0 |
| Attendance | 47,313 |
| Kraken Outdoor Record | 1-0-0 |
5. The Kraken Clinch Their First-Ever Playoff Berth
After a challenging inaugural season, the Seattle Kraken's second year was an astonishing ascent. On April 6, 2023, the team officially clinched its first-ever berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a dominant 4-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes. The roar from Climate Pledge Arena was deafening, a culmination of an entire season's hard work, defying expectations, and silencing critics. It was a monumental achievement for the young franchise, proving that the "retool" was a swift success and giving Seattle its first taste of postseason hockey magic, a moment of pure jubilation for the entire city.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Playoff Clinch Date | April 6, 2023 |
| Regular Season Record (2022-23) | 46-28-8 |
| Points (2022-23) | 100 |
| Conference Finish (2022-23) | 7th |
4. Stunning the Defending Champs in Game 1 of the Playoffs
Entering their first-ever playoff series against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, few gave the Kraken a chance. But in Game 1 on April 18, 2023, Seattle delivered an emphatic message to the hockey world. A gritty, disciplined 3-1 victory in Denver, highlighted by goals from Daniel Sprong, Yanni Gourde, and Jaden Schwartz, shocked the hockey universe. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. This Kraken team wasn't just happy to be there; they were there to compete, setting the tone for an unforgettable series and proving they belonged on the biggest stage.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Game 1 Score | SEA 3, COL 1 |
| Series Record After Game 1 | SEA 1, COL 0 |
| Kraken Playoff Debut | April 18, 2023 |
3. The Historic 7-Game Road Trip Sweep
The true turning point of the Kraken's breakout 2022-23 season was an unprecedented and historic seven-game road trip from January 1 to January 14, 2023. Facing formidable opponents across the Eastern Conference, Seattle went an unbelievable 7-0-0, sweeping every single game. This perfect trip included wins against powerhouse teams like the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, showcasing the team's depth, resilience, and newfound confidence. It cemented their identity as a true contender, propelling them up the standings and proving that their success was no fluke, but the result of relentless teamwork.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Road Trip Record | 7-0-0 |
| Goals For During Trip | 36 |
| Goals Against During Trip | 18 |
| Dates | Jan 1 - Jan 14, 2023 |
2. Matty Beniers Wins the Calder Memorial Trophy
Matty Beniers wasn't just Seattle's first draft pick; he quickly became the franchise's first major individual award winner. In June 2023, Beniers was rightfully awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy, recognizing him as the NHL's most outstanding rookie. His 24 goals and 57 points led all first-year players, but it was his complete 200-foot game, his maturity, and his consistent impact that truly set him apart. For Seattle fans, this was monumental – proof that their team had drafted a true cornerstone, a future superstar who would lead the Kraken for years to come. Beniers embodies the hardworking, skilled identity of the Kraken, and his award was a crowning achievement for both him and the entire organization.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Calder Trophy | Winner (2023) |
| Games Played (2022-23) | 80 |
| Goals (2022-23) | 24 |
| Points (2022-23) | 57 |
| Plus/Minus (2022-23) | +17 |
1. Eliminating the Defending Champion Colorado Avalanche in Game 7
This is it. The greatest moment in Seattle Kraken history, hands down. After shocking the hockey world with a Game 1 upset, the Kraken battled the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche through a grueling, thrilling seven-game series. In the winner-take-all Game 7 in Colorado, the Kraken, led by a phenomenal Philipp Grubauer in net and clutch goals from Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde, completed the impossible. A 2-1 victory not only sent Seattle to the second round in their second season but also sent a resounding message: the Kraken are here to stay. It was an iconic underdog story, a gritty, determined triumph that solidified the Kraken's place in Seattle's sports lore and gave their passionate fanbase an unforgettable memory.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Series Result | SEA wins 4-3 |
| Game 7 Score | SEA 2, COL 1 |
| Kraken Playoff Round | 2nd Round (2023) |
| Opponent's Rank (2023) | Defending Stanley Cup Champion |
These moments, spanning just a few short years, are a testament to the Kraken's rapid growth and the unwavering support of the 32nd franchise's passionate fanbase. From the inaugural goal to a thrilling playoff upset, each memory adds another layer to the team's identity: resilient, exciting, and perpetually underestimated. The future is incredibly bright in Seattle, and as the Kraken continue to build on this exhilarating foundation, one thing is certain: the best is still yet to come for the Emerald City's beloved hockey team.