With 20 games remaining in the 2025-2026 NHL season, the Seattle Kraken are still vying for a postseason berth and remain in a competitive position in the Western Conference. Despite a difficult period following the Winter Olympic Games break, the Kraken hold second place in the Western Conference Wild Card race with 67 points, keeping their Stanley Cup playoff push alive.
Recent Performance and Division Dynamics
Since the Olympic hiatus, the Kraken have posted a 2-4-0 record, including two losses to the St. Louis Blues in critical games. However, their strong victory over the Carolina Hurricanes—currently the best team in the Metropolitan Division—illustrates their potential to compete at a high level. The relatively weak state of the Pacific Division this season also benefits the Kraken, as none of the Pacific teams would currently qualify for the playoffs if they were placed in the Eastern Conference.
Among Pacific Division playoff contenders, only the Anaheim Ducks have shown sustained success since the break, achieving a 5-2-0 record. Meanwhile, other contenders like the Vegas Golden Knights (2-5-0), Edmonton Oilers (3-3-0), Los Angeles Kings (3-4-0), and San Jose Sharks (3-1-2) have struggled to maintain consistent form.
Tight Race in the Pacific Division Wild Card Battle
The fight for the remaining playoff spots in the Pacific Division is fierce, with a mere one-point difference separating the Kraken from both the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings, each holding 66 points. The Sharks have been especially close, having lost two recent games in overtime that, if won, would have put them ahead of Seattle for the second Wild Card position.
San Jose is determined to secure its first playoff appearance since 2019, while the Kings are motivated to extend their streak of consecutive postseason appearances. Currently, the Ducks, Golden Knights, and Oilers occupy the top three spots in the division, but the standings remain volatile, as a strong winning streak from any team could significantly disrupt the balance. Every point, including those earned in overtime losses, is crucial in this tight contest.
Dominance in the Central Division and Its Implications
The Central Division presents a contrasting landscape, where the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild have firmly established themselves as frontrunners. The Avalanche lead the NHL with 95 points and are on pace to surpass their franchise record of 119 points set in a single season. This dominance has effectively locked in the top three playoff positions from the Central Division, barring any unexpected setbacks.
Teams outside this top tier must now focus on securing Wild Card spots in the Western Conference to extend their playoff hopes. The Utah Mammoth currently hold the first Wild Card spot with 72 points, trailing the Central Division leaders by 12 points. The Nashville Predators, with 64 points, and the Winnipeg Jets, last season’s President’s Trophy winners holding 62 points, remain within striking distance if they can string together crucial wins.
Looking Ahead: What the Kraken Need to Secure Their Spot
If the Seattle Kraken can sustain consistent and strong performances over their final 20 games, earning a second playoff qualification in franchise history is within reach. However, with the intensely competitive nature of the Western Conference Wild Card race and the looming challenges posed by teams like the Predators and Sharks, the margin for error is slim.
Every game will be pivotal, as the unpredictable momentum shifts common in hockey can quickly alter the postseason landscape. The Kraken are set to face the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m., a matchup broadcast on KONG with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. This game stands as a critical step in their ongoing quest to secure a playoff berth.
