Pacific Division Kraken
It’s cyclical. Yes, some years your division might be the best in hockey; other times not so much.
Right now the Pacific Division of the NHL is pathetic.
The first place Anaheim Ducks have a negative goal differential (minus – 9) for the season. At even strength, the third place Edmonton Oilers are a minus – 14.
The Ducks and their division leading 75 points would be three points out of the 2nd wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. They’d be 13 points out of third place in the Western Conference’s Central Division.
The bottom line from of all this: Just how much work Seattle has to do to be a legitimate, perennial playoff contender.
Here’s two bizarre what if’s: If the Vancouver Canucks hadn’t utterly imploded this season, due to injuries and mismanagement, they would have been pencilled in for a playoff spot. What if they hadn’t disintegrated? Even more remarkable, the Winnipeg Jets have fallen on hard times for no particular reason and are seven points out of a spot. What if this Jets season was even semi-normal?
The Jets were a given. We need a big shoulder shrug emoji. Does Winnipeg really miss Nik Ehlers as much as the Toronto Maple Leafs miss Mitch Marner?
Anyway, if not for these two somewhat bizarre occurrences, the Kraken, Sharks and Predators (Nashville is in the Central Division) wouldn’t even be in the wild card conversation.
The freaking Los Angeles Kings, who hopped into the 2nd wild card spot with a win on Friday night, are a minus – 22 on the season.
The NHL powers all lie east of the Rocky Mountains. In the case of the Colorado Avalanche, just barely east, but you get the picture.
In general and based on recent events, this Kraken club isn’t getting any closer. The Ducks and Sharks will continue to improve.
This season would have been a great opportunity for Seattle to spread its wings and fly in the Pacific. Instead, not equipped to do so, they keep plodding along in the pack.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Lose To Av’s 5-1; Face Must Win On Saturday
Earlier Canucks:
— Canucks Sherwood Deal Was Premature
