2023 Playoff Run
A roaring home crowd fueled a resilient first chapter in the Kraken's playoff history.
The 2023 Playoff Run marks the Seattle Kraken's first postseason appearance, following their historic inaugural season in 2021-22. This era is defined by the franchise solidifying its identity as a competitive Pacific Division force and establishing an electric home atmosphere at Climate Pledge Arena.
- Season
- 2022–23
- Round
- First Round
- Opponent
- Colorado Avalanche
- Result
- Won Series (4-3)
Lore & Background
Historically, this era is viewed as a stunning breakthrough. It highlighted the team's depth scoring and playoff resilience against the defending Stanley Cup champions. The lessons learned during these high-stakes games became foundational for subsequent seasons, embedding a culture of expectation rather than mere participation.
In Their Own Story
The lights dimmed over Climate Pledge Arena, casting long shadows across the fresh ice. A hush fell over the crowd, broken only by the sharp crack of puck against stick. In the corner, a fan in a teal jersey gripped their railing, eyes fixed on the crease where the goalie stood ready. The air hummed with anticipation, thick enough to taste, as the home team prepared for another battle that would define their legacy.
Reader's Guide
The 2022-23 season began with high expectations following the franchise's inaugural playoff appearance. Ownership under David Bonderman and Jerry Bruckheimer maintained stability while the coaching staff refined a defensive identity built on grit and speed. Fans packed Climate Pledge Arena for every contest, creating one of the loudest environments in professional sports history. As the regular season concluded, expectations were tempered by the reality of playoff intensity. The team faced the Winnipeg Jets in the First Round, a matchup that tested their young core against seasoned veterans. Despite spirited performances and home-ice advantage during select games, the Kraken ultimately fell short of advancing to the Second Round. This era is remembered less for trophies and more for culture. It established the Kraken Nation brand as a legitimate force in hockey fandom. The run highlighted the emergence of young talent alongside veterans such as Phil Kessel. While the series ended early, it laid the groundwork for future contention by proving Seattle belonged among the league's elite.
Did You Know?
- This was the Kraken's first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- Every home playoff game at Climate Pledge Arena sold out during this run.
- The team faced the Colorado Avalanche, the defending Stanley Cup champions, in the First Round.
- Rookie goaltenders began receiving significant attention for their regular season performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NHL season included this playoff appearance?
The run took place during the 2022–23 campaign, marking the franchise's second straight trip to the postseason.
Who was Seattle's opponent in the First Round?
The Kraken faced the Winnipeg Jets in a matchup that determined whether they could advance further.
Where did the team play their home games?
Matches were hosted at Climate Pledge Arena, where supporters created an energetic environment for the players.
How did the playoff series conclude?
Seattle was eliminated in the First Round and failed to secure a spot in the second round of competition.
What significance does this era hold for the club?
It demonstrated the team's growth after their debut year by establishing themselves as a consistent contender in the Pacific Division.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Seattle Kraken universe
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