The National Hockey League (NHL) has welcomed two new teams for the 2021-2022 season: the Seattle Kraken and the Dallas Stars. Both teams have generated excitement among fans and are expected to bring fresh competition to the league. Let’s take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of each team and how they compare to each other.
Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken are the NHL’s newest expansion team and have already created a buzz with their unique name, logo, and color scheme. The Kraken have an experienced general manager in Ron Francis and a talented head coach in Dave Hakstol. They also made some notable acquisitions during the expansion draft, including goaltender Chris Driedger and defenseman Mark Giordano.
Offensively, the Kraken will rely on players like Jordan Eberle and Jaden Schwartz to provide scoring. However, their depth may be a concern, as they lack a true superstar forward. Defensively, the Kraken have a solid group of defensemen, but may struggle in the goaltending department. Driedger has shown promise in limited NHL action, but has yet to prove himself as a full-time starter.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a more established team than the Kraken, having been founded in 1967. They made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2020 and have a strong core of players, including captain Jamie Benn and defenseman Miro Heiskanen. The Stars also have a highly-regarded head coach in Rick Bowness.
Offensively, the Stars have some top-end talent in Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Alexander Radulov. However, they may struggle to score goals consistently, as they lack depth beyond their top line. Defensively, the Stars are strong, with Heiskanen leading the charge. In goal, they have one of the best goaltenders in the league in Anton Khudobin, but may need to find a long-term solution soon.
Comparing the Teams
So how do the Kraken and Stars compare? Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s difficult to predict which team will have more success in their inaugural season. The Kraken have a fresh start and may surprise some teams with their unique style of play. The Stars, on the other hand, have experience and a proven track record of success.
Ultimately, it will come down to how each team performs on the ice. The NHL is a highly competitive league, and both the Kraken and Stars will need to bring their A-game if they want to make a run for the playoffs. Fans of both teams can look forward to an exciting season ahead.
