As the Seattle Kraken made their National Hockey League debut in the 2021-2022 season, expectations were high for the team to establish immediate rivalries within the Pacific Division.
Rivalries are an essential part of any sport, and hockey is no exception. They captivate fans and bring excitement, anticipation, and a sense of competition to both the teams and their supporters.
Geographical proximity often plays a significant role in the formation of sports rivalries, which makes the Vancouver Canucks a prime candidate for being one of the Seattle Kraken’s most significant rivals.
With only 142 miles separating Seattle and Vancouver, the close proximity lends itself to a natural and potentially fierce rivalry between the two teams.
Additionally, since both franchises are members of the NHL’s Pacific Division, they are bound to face each other frequently throughout the season, only fueling the competitive fire between them.
While the Vancouver Canucks may be the most apparent rival for the Seattle Kraken, other contenders within the Pacific Division are worth considering. Teams such as the Vegas Golden Knights and the California-based clubs are also expected to develop rivalries with the Kraken as they compete for dominance within the division. As the Kraken continues to solidify their presence in the league, the rivalries they form will undoubtedly add to the excitement and intensity of the NHL for seasons to come.
Historical Rivals
While the Seattle Kraken is a relatively new team in the NHL, there are some historical rivalries with other teams that could potentially develop. Due to geographical location, these rivalries are generally centered around the teams in the Pacific Division of the NHL’s Western Conference.
One such rivalry might emerge between the Seattle Kraken and the Vancouver Canucks. Both teams are located in the Pacific Northwest and can develop a natural rivalry based on proximity. Additionally, the Canucks have a long history of rivalries with other teams, which could translate to intense competition with the Kraken.
Another possible historical rival for the Kraken is the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks have been in the Pacific Division for quite some time and have established strong competitive rivalries with other teams in the division. The Kraken could easily find themselves in the middle of the action and become a notable rival for the Sharks.
Finally, the Kraken could face potential rivalry with the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings have a storied history in the NHL, and as the Kraken make their mark in the league, they will inevitably cross paths with them. Both teams will be eager to prove themselves and showcase their strengths, creating a competitive atmosphere that could potentially develop into a strong rivalry.
Divisional Rivals
Vancouver Canucks
As part of the Pacific Division, the Seattle Kraken and the Vancouver Canucks are bound to develop an intense rivalry due to their close geographical proximity. The two cities are only a few hours apart, making it easy for fans to travel and attend away games. This natural rivalry is further fueled by the cultural similarities and historical connections between Seattle and Vancouver.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers may also become a significant rival for the Seattle Kraken, mainly as a result of the divisional competition. Having had intense rivalry with other divisional teams like the Calgary Flames, the Oilers present a noteworthy challenge for the Kraken. The two teams’ fanbases may contribute to the development of this rivalry as well.
Calgary Flames
Another potential rival that the Seattle Kraken could face in the Pacific Division is the Calgary Flames. The Flames have a long-standing rivalry with the Edmonton Oilers, which demonstrates their ability to engage in contentious matchups. As the Kraken continue to establish themselves within the division, their encounters with the Flames are expected to add a new layer of competition.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks present another possible rival for the Seattle Kraken. With a history of strong performances within the Pacific Division, the Sharks have earned their reputation as a competitive team. Given the Seattle area’s prior sports rivalries with the San Francisco Bay Area, there is potential for a budding rivalry between the Kraken and the Sharks.
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings could emerge as a rival for the Seattle Kraken as well. Both teams will be battling for supremacy within the Pacific Division, and the Kings have a history of strong performances and divisional rivalries. The large market size and passionate fanbase of Los Angeles may contribute to the intensity of the matchup between these two teams.
Anaheim Ducks
Lastly, the Anaheim Ducks may also become a rival for the Seattle Kraken. While the Ducks are not considered a primary rivalry candidate, both teams share the same division and will compete for playoff spots. Furthermore, the Ducks have a history of intense battles within the Pacific Division, which can add to the competitive atmosphere when facing the Kraken.
Geographical Rivalries
As the Seattle Kraken joined the NHL, they quickly started developing rivalries with their neighboring teams. Geographical proximity often contributes to more heated and frequent clashes between teams, creating long-lasting rivalries.
One notable rivalry for the Kraken is with the Vancouver Canucks. Being separated by only a few hundred kilometers, these teams are bound to have a strong competitive spirit. Fans from both cities can easily travel to support their teams during match-ups, further intensifying this rivalry. The Kraken and the Canucks also play in the same division, the Pacific Division, which increases the number of games they play against each other, making their rivalry a key fixture in both teams’ seasons.
Another potential geographical rival for the Seattle Kraken could be the Vegas Golden Knights. Though not as geographically close as the Canucks, the Golden Knights are still part of the Pacific Division and frequent opponents of the Kraken. As both teams are relatively new to the NHL, they’ll likely share a desire to quickly establish themselves as serious contenders. This shared ambition could factor into the development of a strong rivalry between the two teams.
With several other teams in the Pacific Division, such as the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Anaheim Ducks, the Seattle Kraken will have no shortage of potential rivals. Geographical rivalries in particular have the potential to span years or even decades, making them an exciting and integral part of any team’s history.
Potential Future Rivals
Within their debut in the NHL, the Seattle Kraken brought new excitement to the world of professional hockey. As the Kraken establish themselves in the league, it’s inevitable that rivalries will develop with other teams, intensifying the competition on the ice. Some noteworthy contenders that could emerge as notable rivals for the Seattle Kraken include the Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, and San Jose Sharks.
The close geographical proximity between the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks presents a natural basis for a rivalry to develop. Both teams share a time zone and possess dedicated fan bases passionate about the sport, which is bound to create an energetic atmosphere during their matchups. The potential for a so-called “Cascadia Cup” rivalry may reflect the intensity seen in other regional Pacific Northwest sports rivalries.
Another emerging contender for a Kraken rivalry is the Vegas Golden Knights. As a relatively new franchise themselves, having joined the NHL in 2017, the Golden Knights experienced rapid success in the league. The parallels between the two teams and their fan bases’ desire for success could set the stage for an intense competition between the Kraken and the Golden Knights.
- Vancouver Canucks: Geographical proximity and passionate fan bases
- Vegas Golden Knights: Newer franchises vying for success
- San Jose Sharks: Potential clash for dominance in the Pacific Division
Lastly, the San Jose Sharks may emerge as another potential Kraken rival, representing a potential struggle for dominance within the Pacific Division. With strong rosters and skilled players, matchups between the Kraken and Sharks promise to be electrifying and closely contested affairs, setting the stage for a long-lasting rivalry.
As the Seattle Kraken continue to cement their identity in the NHL, their rivalries with these potential contenders promise to bring many thrilling and memorable moments to fans of professional hockey.
Fan Perspectives on Rivalries
As the Seattle Kraken emerge as a new force in the NHL, fans are excited and curious about potential rivalries brewing between the Kraken and other teams. While it is still early days for the organization, some potential rival contenders have caught the attention of the fanbase.
One team that has been frequently mentioned by fans as a likely rival is the Vancouver Canucks. Geographical proximity often plays a key role in the development of sports rivalries, and the close location of these teams in the Pacific Northwest certainly adds fuel to the fire. Additionally, with both teams sharing aquatic mascots – Canucks as a Whale, and Kraken as a mythical sea creature – fans have already started to envision playful competition between these rivals.
Another potential rivalry discussed by fans is with the Vegas Golden Knights. As two of the newest expansion teams in the league, they share the experience of being newcomers, each aiming to make a splash in the NHL. The excitement and expectations surrounding the Kraken and Golden Knights provide a backdrop for what could be a fiercely competitive dynamic between the two franchises.
Beyond geographical and experiential connections, fans also enjoy the idea of creative and unconventional rivalries. Some have entertained the notion of a “sea creature” rivalry between the Kraken, San Jose Sharks, and the Canucks, which would emphasize the fun and imaginative aspects of sport and fan cultures.
It is worth noting that these potential rivalries are still developing and may take time to solidify. As the Seattle Kraken continue to establish themselves in the league, it will be interesting to observe how their relationships with fellow NHL teams evolve and potentially ignite into unforgettable rivalries. The fans eagerly await the rivalries that will emerge and become a defining aspect of the Kraken’s journey through the NHL.
James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.