We’re at that point in the season when the Seattle Kraken are playing games that no longer have playoff implications. I still enjoy tuning in, but it’s undeniably more fun when they win or battle hard in close contests.
The decreasing importance of the games got us at Sound Of Hockey thinking about how to prevent tanking in the NHL—the act of deliberately icing a subpar roster in hopes of losing and landing a higher draft pick.
Let’s walk through the pros and cons of tanking, and explore some ideas to prevent it.
NHL Entry Draft
Prior to the 1995-96 season, draft position was solely based on the previous season’s standings. The last-place team automatically got the first pick, effectively rewarding teams for tanking. So in 1995, the NHL introduced the draft lottery to curb that trend.
Today, all 16 non-playoff teams are entered into the draft lottery. The last-place team has a 25.5 percent chance at the first overall pick, with the odds decreasing incrementally up to the 17th-place team, which has a 0.5 percent chance. However, teams can only move up a maximum of 10 spots. So, for example, if the 14th-place team is drawn first, they only jump to the fourth overall pick, and the last-place team retains the first overall selection.
Two lottery draws are made: one for the first overall pick and one for the second. The remaining picks are slotted in based on the final standings.
This system is designed to help teams at the bottom rebuild by drafting the top players. A key benefit is that it adds unpredictability to the draft order, keeping hope alive for teams just outside the playoffs. But the downside is clear: bottom teams still have the best odds, and teams that barely miss the playoffs often end up stuck in the murky middle.
Rewarded for losing
Under the current system, the last-place team is guaranteed a top-three pick and holds the best odds to land the first overall selection. It’s an improvement over the pre-lottery format, but the core issue remains: the worst teams are still rewarded more than those who narrowly miss the playoffs.
The Kraken have yet to pick first overall in their young history, but they’ve benefited from the system. In their inaugural season, a postponed game, originally scheduled for April 13, against the Winnipeg Jets was rescheduled to May 1—after the NHL playoffs had already begun. The Kraken held a 3-1 lead after two periods, but Winnipeg stormed back with three goals in 4:16 to win 4-3. It looked like a meaningless game, but the outcome mattered. A Kraken win would have meant finishing 28th; a loss placed them 29th. That one loss kept them below the Philadelphia Flyers and ahead of them in the draft order. The New Jersey Devils eventually won the second lottery draw, bumping Seattle to the fourth overall pick.
With the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Kraken selected Shane Wright. Had they won that final game, they would have picked fifth, and Wright might be wearing orange as a Philadelphia Flyer. As of March 25, Wright leads all 2022 first-round picks in career points per 60 minutes at 2.481. Logan Cooley ranks second at 2.410.
I’m not saying Seattle tanked during its inaugural season—playoff expectations were high after Vegas’s expansion success—but it’s a good example of how losing can still be rewarded under the current system.
Burn Point Threshold
I love the competitive nature of hockey and want teams to strive for wins without being penalized for it. While the current lottery discourages blatant tanking, it still rewards losing and punishes late-season wins, leaving teams stuck between integrity and draft position.
Enter the Burn Point Threshold, or BPT—a system I created to eliminate tanking incentives while still supporting struggling teams.
Under BPT, all 16 non-playoff teams enter the draft lottery with equal odds—one entry each, no weighted balls, no rewards for finishing lower. The draft order is then shaped by a point-based threshold.
Here’s how it works:
Each non-playoff team is assigned “burn points” (BP) on a sliding scale based on standings: 32nd place gets one point, 31st gets two points, 30th gets three points, and so on up to 17th place, which gets 16 points.
The lottery draws teams at random, one at a time.
As teams are drawn, their burn points are subtracted from a 16-point threshold.
Once the burn total reaches or exceeds 16, the lottery ends.
The drawn teams receive the top picks in the order selected. Remaining teams are slotted in by reverse standings starting after the last lottery pick. In this system, the number of lottery picks is dynamic. If a playoff bubble team draws the first overall pick, the draft ends sooner, allowing lower teams to still get decent selections. But if teams near the bottom of the standings are drawn, the lottery continues until the point threshold is met or exceeded. This levels the playing field by giving equal odds to all non-playoff teams, reducing the incentive to finish last.
Burn Point Threshold examples
Here are a couple of examples of how a draft could play out:
Let’s say the 24th-place team (nine BP), the 27th-place team (six BP), and the 31st-place team (two BP) are drawn. That adds up to 17 burn points—lottery over. Those teams pick first, second, and third in the order they were drawn. The 32nd-place team would pick fourth overall.
In a separate scenario, the 17th-place team (16 BP) hits on the first draw. The lottery ends immediately. That team picks first overall, and the rest of the draft proceeds in reverse standings order, starting with the 32nd-place team picking second overall.
Data for Burn Point Threshold
We simulated 10,000 draft lotteries to test fairness and function.
In BPT, every non-playoff team has an equal shot at the first overall pick. But since the lottery ends at 16 burn points, the two last-place teams never will get less than a sixth overall pick and 99.3 percent of the time will get a top-five pick. It’s not a flat-odds system—it’s a fair-odds system.
Here are the percentages for each pick in the 10,000 draft simulations.
Pros of Burn Point Threshold
The BPT model brings a dynamic element to the draft process, introducing an increased level of unpredictability while ensuring teams aren’t penalized for competing and winning. All non-playoff teams start on equal footing while still guaranteeing the last-place team a top-six pick through the burn point structure.
It strikes a balance between fairness and function—every team gets a chance, but those who struggled still have an opportunity to land a high pick. The result is a draft system that rewards effort and maintains meaningful competition until the final horn of the season.
Tweaking the BPT model
One of the strengths of the Burn Point Threshold (BPT) system is its flexibility. The core structure—equal odds, a point-based cutoff, and reverse-standings fallback—provides a solid foundation to build on. Here are two simple, impactful ways to tweak BPT without compromising its integrity:
16+1 Rule: Requires one additional team to be drawn after the 16-point threshold is reached, guaranteeing at least two lottery winners and adding a little extra suspense to the process.
Adjustable Threshold: Raising the burn point threshold (to 20, 24, etc.) increases the number of lottery picks and spreads top selections more evenly. Lower thresholds keep the lottery shorter and offer greater protection for the league’s worst teams. I used 16 points in the initial model to emphasize support for struggling teams. But the threshold is fully adjustable. If tanking remains a concern, the league can raise the threshold. This extends the lottery, adds unpredictability, and makes it harder to game the system. At the same time, it gives the league control over how broadly top picks are distributed.
Here is how the draft pick odds change when using 24 BP, instead of 16 (10,000 simulations):
Other options to prevent tanking
There are several other proposals aimed at discouraging tanking while still supporting struggling teams. While we won’t dive into all of them here, two of the more popular ideas are “The Gold Plan” and a single-elimination tournament.
The Gold Plan
“The Gold Plan” was created by Adam Gold, hence the name. This idea awards draft order based on performance after a team is mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. The more points a team earns after elimination, the higher their draft position.
It adds competitive meaning to late-season games and may encourage teams to retain key players instead of offloading them at the trade deadline. However, one drawback is that it could incentivize teams to tank earlier in the season just to reach elimination sooner and start banking points.
Another idea is a March Madness-style bracket for all non-playoff teams to determine draft order. It’s exciting in theory but raises concerns. Would players risk injury in meaningless games? Would expiring-contract players want to jeopardize future deals? This concept is fun on paper, but it would be tough to implement in practice.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it
Some fans are fine with tanking and think the current system works. Tanking doesn’t guarantee the first overall pick—just better odds. And it helps bad teams rebuild through the draft. That said, rewarding losses feels flawed. Systems like BPT and The Gold Plan offer a way to level the field without incentivizing losing.
Is tanking a problem in the NHL?
Tanking remains one of the most polarizing aspects of professional sports—especially in leagues like the NHL, where a single draft pick can reshape a franchise’s future when a generational talent enters the mix. While the current system tries to discourage tanking, it still leaves room for strategic underperformance. Fans want to see their teams compete every night—not quietly fold for the sake of odds.
That’s why proposals like the Burn Point Threshold or The Gold Plan deserve consideration. Both aim to reward effort, not apathy, while still helping weaker teams restock talent. Whether it’s a dynamic lottery cap or a post-elimination points race, these systems offer fresh ways to reshape the draft without penalizing teams for playing hard.
What are your thoughts? Should the NHL explore bold changes to prevent tanking? Would you prefer something like BPT or The Gold Plan, or does the current system work well enough?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Blaiz Grubic
Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.
The Kraken ended the week on a high note, sending us into the 4 Nations Face-Off break with a thrilling come-from-behind win against the Calgary Flames. That game marked the seventh time this season the Kraken have erased a two-goal deficit to win—a feat they accomplished more times this season than in the previous three seasons combined—and they still have 25 games remaining.
In my opinion, the Seattle Kraken’s ability to never quit is what makes this team so enjoyable to watch, but it’s also part of the frustration. They can compete with any opponent for stretches of a game, giving us glimpses of their potential.
Coincidentally, the Kraken nearly pulled off another two-goal comeback earlier in the week against Detroit at Climate Pledge Arena. They scored twice in the final 10 minutes of regulation to force overtime but eventually lost in a shootout. Despite the loss, it was an exciting game to watch. Both Shane Wright and Matty Beniers found the back of the net, while Chandler Stephenson tied the game with his 10th goal of the season with under three minutes left in regulation. On Saturday in Calgary, Wright also had a goal and an assist to lead the comeback charge, and Beniers had the game-winner in OT.
Sandwiched between the shootout loss to Detroit and the overtime win in Calgary was a lackluster effort against the Toronto Maple Leafs. It wasn’t the Kraken’s best game, but they didn’t mail it in either. They trailed 3-0 midway through the second period but got an early third-period goal to make things interesting. Toronto is a talented team with high-end players, and even though their “big four” didn’t score, their presence was felt as they controlled most of the play.
If you had told me heading into the week that the Kraken would take three points from three quality opponents, I would have been happy—and I am. This team continues to compete, and with Shane, Matty, and Kaapo Kakko, I’m still fully engaged as we head down the stretch.
The Kaapo Kakko impact
As everyone should know by now, Kaapo Kakko has been on a resurgence since his trade to the Kraken in mid-December. I’ve previously highlighted the production difference between his time in Seattle versus New York this season, but here’s a quick summary:
The numbers are even more striking when isolating the last 20 games. There’s no doubt he’s been a bright spot over the past six weeks. The Kakko-Beniers-Jaden Schwartz line has been clicking, so let’s take a look at Kakko’s impact on their numbers as well.
Matty’s points-per-game average has risen slightly from 0.515 to 0.583, but his goal production has more than doubled in nine fewer games played. If you extrapolate his nine-goal pace over 24 games across a full season, it projects to a 30-goal pace for Matty.
Shane Wright is staying hot
Another bright spot in recent months has been the emergence of Shane Wright. With two more points on Saturday night, he now sits at exactly a point per game over his last 10 outings. Since being a healthy scratch back in November, he has steadily produced, never dipping below a .5-point-per-game average over any 10-game span.
Between Kakko, Beniers, and Wright, you can see a young core starting to take shape—one that should give fans plenty to be excited about for the rest of the season.
Other Musings
Saturday’s game against Calgary was the 35th time this season the Kraken allowed the first goal. They continue to lead the league in that category.
I’m starting to warm up to the idea of the Kraken extending Yanni Gourde. The team needs a center next season, and Yanni has been a great leader since the inaugural season. It doesn’t need to be a “team-friendly” deal—just a fair one. As with any veteran contract, the term will be the tricky part.
Since Yanni went down with an injury, the Kraken’s penalty kill is just 64.3 percent. It was 77.8 percent before his injury.
Shane played 1:26 in overtime against Detroit last Tuesday—the most OT ice time he’s had all season. He was sitting on two goals at the time, so I wonder if it was an attempt to get him a hat trick or part of a new overtime strategy.
On Saturday, Shane and Matty both scored in the same game for the fourth time in their careers. The Kraken have won three of those four games, with the only loss coming in the shootout against Detroit.
I continue to wonder about Kaapo Kakko’s next contract.
Philipp Grubauer is 2-0 with a .933 save percentage in his first two starts with the Coachella Valley Firebirds since being reassigned.
This entire play was a thing of beauty—and it was even better to witness in person last Tuesday.
#SeaKraken make it interesting. A Tanev stretch pass connects with Stephenson who goes across the goal mouth unencumbered to make it 4-4 with just under three to play
Berkly Catton (SPO/SEA) – A regular in this section, Catton posted eight points in two games this past weekend, including a four-goal game against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Carson Rehkopf (BRA/SEA) – Another frequent mention, Rehkopf, the Kraken’s 2023 second-round pick, had a six-point night against the Erie Otters. “Razor” remains one of my favorite prospects because he can score from anywhere.
Ready for a wild stat? 🤓#SeaKraken prospect Carson Rehkopf of the @OHLSteelheads scored the 10th hat-trick of his #OHL career on Friday, part of a six-point effort that brings him to 30 goals on the season! 🎥 pic.twitter.com/LNBmNQ2sbJ
Jani Nyman (CVF/SEA) – “Li’l Jani” continues to impress in his first full North American season, recording five points in his last four games. Of all the Kraken prospects, I believe he has the best chance of making the NHL roster next season. Hopefully, we get a glimpse of him at some point later this year.
The week ahead
The entire league is on break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Kraken won’t play again until Feb. 22, when they take on the Florida Panthers. I don’t know how many of you are excited to watch the 4 Nations Face-Off, but I certainly am—especially the USA versus Canada matchup on Saturday.
There likely won’t be a Monday Musings next week—unless your comments inspire me.
Over the past month, I’ve written two pieces examining NHL standings—one on NHL standings point models and alternatives, and another as an NHL half-season roundup. While working on these articles, I noticed a trend: most NHL teams perform better at home than on the road. That observation led me to dig deeper. I compiled data from the NHL API since the start of the 2021-22 season to see if the numbers back up the notion of a “home-ice advantage.”
As of Jan. 31, 28 of the 32 NHL teams have boasted better home records compared with their road records over the last three and a half seasons. The four teams that just missed the mark were within five points of their home records: the Vancouver Canucks (even record), the New Jersey Devils (even record), the Buffalo Sabres (three points under) and the Anaheim Ducks (five points under).
It’s good to be home
During the 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 seasons, home teams enjoyed an average boost of 5.5 percent in standings points earned compared with their road performance. Overall, home teams posted a points percentage of .585, while road teams registered .524. That .585 mark is notable because it surpasses the 95-point pace when extrapolated out—a good measuring stick for playoff contenders.
The home-ice advantage extends to all types of wins—regulation, overtime, and shootout. Regulation wins were 6.8 percent higher for home teams, while overtime and shootout wins were 6.5 percent higher.
The data above covers the last three full seasons, and this season is showing similar trends. As of Jan. 31, home teams have benefited from a 6.8 percent increase in overtime and shootout wins compared to road teams, and a 9.9 percent boost in regulation wins. It should be noted that the current season’s data is partial and may be skewed, as the teams have not yet played an equal number of home and away games against every opponent.
Clearly, there is a consistent boost to the home team’s winning percentage. Now the question is: why?
NHL rules that benefit the home team
A handful of rules benefit the home team, and while most may not directly affect the game’s outcome, one in particular allows coaches to shine.
Last change
When playing at home, the visiting team must put its players on the ice first prior to a face-off. This rule gives the home team’s coaching staff a chance to assess who is on the ice and adjust their lines accordingly—allowing them to dictate matchups. For example, if the away team deploys its top scoring line, the home team can counter with its shutdown line. The only exception is icing; if the home team ices the puck, it is not allowed to change, letting the away team dictate the matchup.
Hockey is a fast-paced sport where line changes happen on the fly, and teams can switch lines in any order during play. The last change rule only applies during stoppages when a face-off is about to occur. During such stoppages, you’ll notice a referee near the team benches: the visiting team has five seconds to make a change before the referee raises their hand and signals that no further changes are allowed by the visitors, and then the home team has eight seconds to adjust before the referee lowers their hand. This rule is outlined in rule 82.2 of the NHL rule book.
Face-offs
In the NHL, players taking a face-off must put the blade of their stick on the ice, making contact with the white part of the face-off dot. Once both players’ sticks are on the ice, the puck is dropped. A common misconception is that the away team must place its stick first. However, according to NHL rule 76.4:
“The sticks of both players facing off shall have the blade on the ice, within the designated white area. At the eight face-off spots (excluding the center-ice face-off spot), the defending player shall place his stick within the designated white area first, followed immediately by the attacking player. When the face-off is conducted at the center-ice face-off spot, the visiting player shall place his stick on the ice first.”
For the home team, the only “benefit” comes at center-ice face-offs, as others are determined based on which zone the face-off is occurring. In theory, if the proper procedure is followed, neither team should have an advantage. In practice, however, the second player sometimes never places his stick on the ice, which can provide an edge. Outside of center-ice, the defending team’s center places his stick first, meaning any home-ice advantage is limited to the center-ice draw.
Looking at face-off data from the 2023-24 season, there were 8,383 center-ice face-offs. The home team won 50.4 percent of these draws, so a benefit, but minor one. This figure may be slightly skewed by the last change rule, as coaches sometimes counter the visiting team’s matchups with lines that are not necessarily their best at winning face-offs. For instance, the Seattle Kraken have typically started either Yanni Gourde’s or Matty Beniers’ line at home. However, Chandler Stephenson leads as the top face-off man, winning 51.7 percent of his draws, while Beniers won 47.8 percent and Gourde 49.9 percent as of Jan. 31.
Regular-season overtime
The last-change rule also applies during 3-on-3 overtime, where controlling matchups is crucial for scoring a timely goal and ending the game. Overall, overtime has favored the home team, which has won 9.6 percent more games in OT than when playing on the road.
Shootout
If a regular-season game remains tied after regulation and 3-on-3 overtime, it goes to a shootout. The home team gets to choose whether to shoot first or second. Over the last few seasons, home teams have opted to shoot first 85.2 percent of the time.
Over the last three and a half seasons, there have been 317 shootouts. In those contests, the home team won 162 times, and the road team won 155 times—a slim 2.2 percent advantage for the home team. If you only consider the teams that shot first, the advantage grows to 5.34 percent. In recent years, the trend has been that more and more NHL teams have have been choosing to shoot first.
One might think that the home team would prefer to shoot last, allowing it to mount a comeback or finish the game on a goal. However, goaltenders hold the edge in shootouts. It appears that home teams are not so much choosing to shoot first as they are opting to “save last.” League-wide, NHL goaltenders have posted a combined stoppage percentage of .679 in these 317 shootouts—meaning that 68 percent of the time, the goalie is more likely to stop the shot than the shooter is to score. I call this a “stoppage percentage” because it includes missed shots, which are not part of a goaltender’s save percentage but still result in a failed shootout attempt.
Penalties
The trend continues when comparing penalties called on teams at home versus on the road. For this analysis, I looked at the raw count of individual penalties—not penalty minutes. A minor, double minor, major, or game misconduct each counts as one penalty. Overall, home teams enjoy a 3.2 percent reduction in penalties called against them.
Over the last three seasons, 26 of 32 NHL teams have accrued fewer penalty minutes at home than on the road. When broken down by division, the benefits vary significantly. Atlantic Division teams saw only a 1.1 percent benefit, Metropolitan teams 2.9 percent, Pacific teams 4.4 percent, and Central Division teams 4.5 percent.
The Calgary Flames have enjoyed the largest home-ice advantage in penalty minutes at 9.2 percent, while Canadian teams overall fared well, with 4.5 percent fewer penalties at home, matching the Central Division. It might be a good time to rethink the hockey tradition of booing the referees as they come onto the ice and haven’t actually done anything yet. Statistically, they tend to side with the home team, especially in the Western Conference. I propose Kraken fans start cheering them on before the game.
The home crowd!
Enough with the numbers—the biggest X-factor in home-ice advantage is the hometown crowd. Nothing fires up a team more than thousands of fans erupting after a big goal, a crushing hit, or some good, old-fashioned fisticuffs at center ice. That energy feeds into the players, creating a momentum shift that can tilt a game. It’s a dopamine hit for the skaters, and the crowd knows it—fans do everything they can to will their team to victory.
This isn’t just superstition; players and coaches often talk about how a raucous home crowd provides an extra edge. It can be the difference between sluggish legs and an adrenaline-fueled surge late in a tight game. That’s why road teams have a strategy—either silence the crowd with an early goal or grind through the first 10 minutes without allowing one. Survive the opening wave, and the crowd might settle. But if the home team scores first? Expect an onslaught of momentum.
Of course, the flip side is also true—when a home team is trailing, and the crowd starts to quiet, that energy can fade. The best teams learn to ride the wave of home-ice advantage but also generate their own spark when things aren’t going their way.
Teams do have an advantage at home
Overall, the last change and shootout options come down to the coaching staff’s ability to capitalize on the slight advantages presented to their team. The Kraken have seen a 2.1 percent boost in their performance at home, making use of the home-ice advantage. In the penalty department, Seattle has 2.3 percent fewer penalties called on them at home than on the road. Both numbers are positive for playing at Climate Pledge Arena, but they fall short of the league averages of 5.5 percent for standings points and 3.2 percent for penalties.
While these boosts might seem modest, they do add up over the course of a season. There’s one more key factor that could tilt the scales for the Kraken, though: us—the fans.
What are your thoughts on home-ice advantage? Put them in the comments below.
Blaiz Grubic
Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.
The Los Angeles Kings, on Jan. 13, were the last team to play 41 games. With that halfway mark now officially behind us, the playoff picture is starting to take shape, but there’s still a lot of hockey left to play. Let’s take a look at each of the four divisions and the key storylines from the first half of the season.
Atlantic Division
Home to the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, the Atlantic Division features the most contested race for a wild card spot. The Toronto Maple Leafs currently lead the division. With Toronto’s history of playoff struggles, potential wild-card teams could be eyeing a first-round matchup with Toronto.
Good teams are still good
The Maple Leafs, Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Boston Bruins all currently hold playoff spots. These are the same teams that made the postseason last year.
Toronto Maple Leafs
This year’s Maple Leafs have a different look to them. They’re winning more in regulation, leading the division with 25 regulation wins. Last season, 35.3 percent of their points came from overtime and shootout games. This season, that’s down to 19.3 percent, a sign of a stronger team. Toronto has achieved this despite Auston Matthews missing 15 games. While it’s too early to say this is their year, they’ve shown promise.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay is a team to watch. As of Jan. 20, they have games in hand, lead the division in goals scored (165), are 2nd in goals against (128), and boast four forwards over the 20-goal mark. Comparatively, the Kraken have zero 20-goal scorers right now. Tampa Bay parted ways with long-time captain Steven Stamkos and was able to sign Jake Guentzel to a seven-year deal worth $63 million. The sharp-shooting Guentzel is working out well so far, averaging just over a point per game (46 points in 43 games).
Wild card race
The Bruins, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens are separated by only two points. Boston has played two more games than the others. Ottawa, with a positive goal differential (+5) and the most regulation wins (18) among the group, might have the inside track, if rookie goaltender Leevi Meriläinen continues his strong play in Linus Ullmark’s absence. Meanwhile, Montreal’s resurgence has been driven by a balanced effort led by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and smooth rookie Lane Hutson (worth noting, Hutson was taken No. 62 overall in the 2022 draft, one spot after Seattle selected David Goyette at No. 61).
The Detroit Red Wings are hot on Montreal’s heels, with a recent hot streak under new head coach Todd McLellan keeping them competitive.
Metropolitan Division
The Metropolitan Division has delivered surprises. Last season’s playoff teams included the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, and Washington Capitals. This year, two of those teams risk missing the playoffs without significant second-half turnarounds.
On the struggle subway
The Rangers and Islanders are struggling. The Rangers, last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, started strong but have since faltered and are on the outside looking in for the playoffs. The Islanders have had trouble scoring goals, ranking 28th in the NHL with 123. Goalie Ilya Sorokin has not be the problem, but at the same time has not helped matters either and has the lowest save percentage of his career at .900 this season. Mathew Barzal has struggled to get into his usual rhythm after missing 21 games due to injury and only has 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 25 games played.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus just might be the most improved team in the NHL and has spring boarded from fourth-worst in the league last year to a wild-card contender. The Blue Jackets are a different team at home than on the road. In Columbus, they boast a 16-5-3 record but show signs of last year’s squad when away with a 6-13-4 record. Columbus can score goals in buckets and as of Jan. 20 are sixth in the NHL with 157 goals scored. However, on the flip side, stopping goals has been an issue, where they are sixth worst in the NHL with 158 goals against. Winning seven of their last 10 games—including a drubbing of the Kraken—has kept them in the playoff hunt.
Ovi watch
The Capitals have surprised everyone coming out of the gate hot and have kept the foot on the pedal. As of Jan. 20 they are in pole position for the Presidents’ Trophy race with 67 points. Dylan Strome is having a career year, and a resurgence from Pierre-Luc Dubois has also been key. Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin is defying age, sitting at 874 career goals—21 shy of Wayne Gretzky’s record. Ovechkin has 21 goals in 30 games this season, putting him on a pace that could see him break the record by season’s end.
Central Division
The Central Division shows a stark divide between its top and bottom teams. The Winnipeg Jets lead the pack, with the Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche close behind.
Best in the West
Winnipeg set an NHL record by going 15-1-0 to start the season. Although they’ve slowed since then, they are No. 1 in the Western Conference. Connor Hellebuyck remains a standout, leading the league in wins (28), shutouts (six), save percentage (.929), and goals-against average (1.97). Hellebuyck is the front runner for the Vezina Trophy and a serious contender for the Hart Trophy.
Wild card battle
The Central Division should produce at least four playoff teams, with one landing in a wild-card spot. Each of these teams is on pace for 100 points. The last time a wild-card team had over 100 was in the 2023 playoffs when none other than the Seattle Kraken upset Colorado in the first round.
The bottom
The Blackhawks and Predators are settling to the bottom. Chicago’s bright spot is 19-year-old Connor Bedard, who also has had ups and downs this season, but scoring depth and goaltending remain issues. Chicago was not expected to make the playoffs this season but were hoping to take a bigger step forward that has not materialized yet.
Nashville is probably the biggest disappointment this season. After signing Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault during the offseason, the vibes were good, and expectations were high for this team. Nashville has failed to put the puck in the net and is second to last in scoring (115) in the NHL. At this point in the season it is hard to imagine either of these teams turning it around this season.
Pacific Division
Vegas keeps winning
The Golden Knights have the NHL’s third-most points (62), fueled by scoring depth and career years from Jack Eichel and captain Mark Stone. Goaltending can be described as “good enough,” but due to the team averaging 3.40 goals per game, Vegas keeps on winning.
Rounding out the top three
The Edmonton Oilers have surged since the start of December, going 16-5-1, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings are winning through team defense and strong goaltending from Darcy Kuemper. They boast a .853 points percentage at home (14-3-1) which is the best in the NHL.
Canucks-Flames rivalry
Calgary holds the edge for the last wild-card spot, while Vancouver has continued to slide down the standings. Injuries to Thatcher Demko and an NHL-leading 10 overtime losses have hurt the Canucks, but they are not out of the race. The rumor mill is rampant with Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller feuds and trade speculation causing uncertainty throughout the fan base.
Calgary has exceeded expectations this season after losing Jacob Markstrom and Andrew Mangiapane from last year’s squad. Goalie questions loomed for Calgary coming into the season, but rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf has been the answer and has taken control of the starting role. Wolf, a former Everett Silvertip, has started seven of the last 10 games and is posting numbers (.917 save percentage) that should have him in the conversation for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the best rookie in the NHL.
Shark tankers
The San Jose Sharks are at the bottom of the Pacific… And also the Pacific Division (get it?). But they have improved from last year, scoring 23 more goals and adding four more standings points. Rookie Macklin Celebrini has impressed with his play and is on a 61-point pace.
Not out yet
The Seattle Kraken have been inconsistent this season, falling short of expectations, but have shown flashes of promise. Currently sitting five points lower than last year’s team, the Kraken have shown the ability to push back and lead the NHL, with six comeback wins when trailing by two goals or more. Obviously, it would be better if they were not down by two-plus goals to start, but it is exciting to know they can be down and have a realistic chance to come back and win.
Kraken key developments during the first half of the season:
The Kraken have had to deal with the injury bug as well. Jordan Eberle (pelvis injury), Vince Dunn (upper-body injury) and Yanni Gourde (mid-body injury) have all missed significant time.
Playoff push
As the league heads into the second half, the playoff race will intensify. My midseason Stanley Cup pick is the Edmonton Oilers, but I’m also watching to see if Ovechkin can break Gretzky’s record. Despite their struggles, I’ll be rooting for the Kraken to find consistency and play a full 60 minutes.
Who’s your midseason Stanley Cup favorite? What are your takeaways from the season so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Blaiz Grubic
Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.
With Team USA set to defend their IIHF World Junior Championship title, it is a good time to check in on the nationality demographics in the NHL. About a year ago, I shared a similar analysis; this time, I am updating the data and adding some additional insights.
Nationalities of NHL players
The percentage of US-born players in the NHL is essentially flat compared to last season’s 29.2 percent, standing at 29.1 percent of the league. The percentage of Canadian players has dropped by half a percent, down to 41.1 percent of the league, which is the lowest of all time. While these figures may shift slightly due to injuries, call-ups, and other factors as the season progresses, the trends have been consistent for a while.
Another trend in the NHL is the diminishing number of Canadian goalies in the league. When isolating goalies, the reduction as a percentage is even more pronounced than among skaters.
Here is a look at the pure volume of players by nationality during the 2024-25 season to date:
Age distribution of NHL players by nationality
To delve deeper, I analyzed the nationalities of NHL players by birth year to see if any upcoming trends are emerging. For example, I compared the age distribution of US players in the NHL to their Canadian counterparts with the same birth year. Note that not all birth years are represented; I excluded birth years with fewer than 20 players in the league.
Consistent with last season’s analysis, this season’s NHL player data by birth year revealed no significant trends. The percentage of Canadian players by birth year fluctuates between 25 and 54 percent, while the percentage of US players ranges between 28 and 40 percent across birth years. The 18 percent of players in the “other” category for the 2004 birth year represents just five players, three of whom are Slovakian (Juraj Slafkovsky, Samuel Honzek, and Simon Nemec).
The growth of US representation in the NHL
As mentioned earlier, the number of US-born players in the NHL has been trending upward for a while. I also examined the birth states of US-born NHL players. Here is a look at the number of states represented by at least one NHL player during the season. This highlights how widely hockey has expanded geographically within the United States.
Note that the data shows a reduction in states season-over-season from 37 to 35. The number of states represented can only grow throughout the season, so it is possible and likely that the number of birth states represented during the 2024-25 season will return to 37.
I’ve long attributed the growing interest in hockey among Americans to three main events: 1) the Miracle on Ice in the 1980 Olympics, 2) Wayne Gretzky’s trade to the LA Kings, and 3) NHL expansion. While the first two are difficult to quantify definitively, the impact of NHL expansion aligns closely with growth in USA Hockey memberships by state over the years.
To illustrate this transformation, I compared maps of NHL players’ birth states from the 1990-91 season to the current 2024-25 season. The evidence of “southern expansion” becomes strikingly clear in this comparison.
Nationality breakdown by NHL team
As a fun bonus, here is a look at the nationality breakdown by current NHL team. For example, the Seattle Kraken roster is 61 percent Canadian and only 13 percent American. The team with the highest percentage of American players this season is the New York Rangers, at an impressive 50 percent.
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions for further exploration, leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
*Editor’s note: This is not a new article. This is the same seating guide that was published in December, 2023, but it has been updated with some new information for the 2024-25 season.
The admittedly biased answer to the question of where to sit at Climate Pledge Arena (CPA) is section 3, row L, seats 1-2—my season seats! But the real answer is that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. No matter where you’re seated in CPA, you’ll have a great view of the ice and a fantastic game experience.
For the 2024-25 season, we’ve refreshed this guide with the following updates:
Updated ticket pricing to reflect standard admission rates.
Added a Tips and tricks section, featuring discounted student tickets and a bathroom line navigation hack.
The King 5 broadcast desk has a new home in the Space Needle Lounge.
The Red Alert band has been dissolved, and references to the band have been removed.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through each major section in CPA, highlighting the pros and cons of each area to help you find your perfect seat.
How to use the Kraken seating guide:
If you’re unsure where to begin when choosing your seats, you’re in the right place! The Kraken seating guide below will help you find your ideal spot. Use the table below, and click the link in each area for an overview of each section.
Consider these key factors as you choose:
Budget
End seats vs. side seats (do you prefer being behind the net or seeing the action from the sides?)
Proximity to the action vs. full-ice perspective
Section benefits and amenities
Reviewing each of these factors will help you zero in on the sections that best suit you and your group for an unforgettable game experience.
Budget
Ticket prices at CPA vary widely, with face-value seats starting around $50 and going up to $750. This Kraken seating guide breaks down seating into approximate price ranges, with most options falling between $100 and $250. These prices reflect standard admission rates, as resale prices fluctuate based on factors like team performance, the opponent, and the game night. Typically, expect lower prices for a Tuesday game against a struggling opponent and higher prices for a Saturday night matchup against a top team or Original Six team.
End seats vs. side seats
As in any sport, seats closer to center-ice (field, court, or pitch) tend to be the most desirable. In hockey, protective netting behind each goal keeps those powerful slap shots from hitting fans. When sitting at the ends of the ice, you’ll be viewing through this netting, which, while noticeable at first, often fades from perception during the game. Along the sides of the ice, you’ll have an unobstructed view, as no netting is present. Watching from the sides offers a left-to-right view of the action, while end seating provides an up-and-down perspective. Keep in mind that when sitting at the ends, the action feels distant when at the opposite end but intensely close when in front of you.
Proximity to the action vs. full-ice perspective
This choice comes down to personal preference. Sitting higher up gives you a view of the entire rink, making it easier to see plays and strategies unfold. Being closer to the ice immerses you in the speed and intensity of the game as players battle it out near your seat. Both options are exciting, but for newcomers, sitting higher can offer a broader perspective and better understanding of the game—and usually at a lower price.
Benefits and amenities
Most amenities are available in the club sections. Club seats feature options like exclusive food, club-specific restrooms, mixed drinks in your seat, and private entrances to CPA. The private club restrooms are a notable perk, as restroom lines outside the club areas are generally longer, especially during intermissions.
Going to your first game?
If this is your first game, you can’t go wrong with any seat—just choose a spot within your budget and get ready to enjoy the experience. I recommend arriving about an hour early to check out the team store and watch the warmups. Take a stroll through a few sections you might consider for future games to get a sense of how they compare to your seats.
If you’re reading this seating guide, you might also be a new fan of the Seattle Kraken. Sound Of Hockey has you covered with our Seattle Kraken: New fan’s guide – 2024 edition, helping you get up to speed on your new favorite team and sport.
Just want a quick Kraken seating recommendation?
Just get me in the building?
Opt for the 200 Level. Aim for sections opposite the press box—like 224, 225, 226, 201, 202, 203, and 204—rather than 211-217. In the higher rows (H and above) of 211-217, the “Twins” (dual scoreboards) are obstructed by the pressbox. Although there are TV screens for provided for these rows, seeing the scoreboards is part of the experience.
Best mix of value and views? There are a few great options
Kraken-shoot-twice sections in red, Visitor side (Kraken-shoot-once) sections in black
00 Lower Bowl
All lower bowl sections at CPA are numbered 1-26. Entrance to CPA is on the upper level, with an escalator ride down to the lower bowl, which is considered the main concourse (LL2). This level includes The Lair (team store) and the Living Wall. Sections 3-12 are on the Kraken’s offensive side, where they shoot twice per game, while sections 16-25 are on the visitor’s side, where the Kraken-shoot-once. The arena has two club areas: the Symetra Club (sections 26, 1, 2) and the WaFd Club (sections 13-15).
These sections sit right on the face-off dot within the offensive zone and are the only non-club, Kraken-shoot-twice sections in front of the goal line. Positioned as close to the club areas as possible without being in them, they provide a fantastic view. A railing separates these sections from the club seats on the side closer to center ice, making it impossible for people to enter or exit from that side—a benefit for those seated along the railing, as they won’t be interrupted during the game. Sections 16 and 25, on the visitor-shoot-twice side, mirror sections 3 and 12.
View from “Kraken-shoot-twice – corners” section (Photo/Brian Liesse)
The corners are rumored to be a favored vantage point for hockey scouts evaluating minor and junior players. While the Kraken-shoot-twice end is viewed through protective netting, the opposite end offers a mixed view. Seats in the first 10 rows are around $210-$240, providing a close-to-the-action experience. These corner sections offer a balanced blend of side and end perspectives. Sections 17, 19, 22, and 24 on the visitor-shoot-twice end mirror sections 4, 6, 9, and 11.
Unless you’re within a few rows of the glass, your view in these sections will always be through protective netting. Most seats are around $180, with row C (on the glass) closer to $285-$350, and rows D-J approximately $220-$240. Note that row C is the front row in these sections, offering direct glass access. It’s a popular spot to watch the visiting team warm up. If you arrive during warm-ups, feel free to join the crowd along the glass for a closer view, then settle into your seats once the crowd clears. Sections 20 and 21, on the visitor-shoot-twice end, mirror sections 7 and 8.
The top of most lower bowl sections features bar seats.
Pros:
These seats offer a great view of the ice at the lowest price in the lower bowl.
The elevated bar stools have seat backs and are not connected to the floor, so you can stand during the game if you prefer.
A small table in front of you provides space for food and drinks.
Cons:
You won’t have a view of the Twins (dual scoreboards), but there are TV screens mounted for viewing replays. Some extra stats on the Twins aren’t shown on the TVs, but it doesn’t not take away from the enjoyment of the game.
Your view may be blocked if the people in front of you stand during an exciting moment, though most fans remain seated during the game.
Getting in and out of these seats can be a little awkward, but it’s manageable.
Both Symetra Club and WaFd Club offer similar experiences, located on opposite sides of the ice. Symetra Club is on the same side as the player benches, while WaFd Club is on the penalty box side.
Buying club seats is about two things: premium seats and added benefits. Located between the face-off dots, with the most expensive seats at center ice, they provide an unimpeded view of the game without the need to look through protective netting.
Each club has its own private area with exclusive food and drink options, as well as bathrooms reserved for club ticket holders. Additional perks include the ability to have mixed drinks in your seat, coat check, larger, more cushioned seats, and occasionally a free appetizer spread. There are also a limited number of bar seats in the club sections (sections 1, 15, 26), which offer the same benefits and are priced around $195. For more on bar seat experiences, see the lower bowl section.
Pros:
Premium seat views and exclusive benefits.
The Yeet the Fish tradition, where plush fish are thrown into the stands after Kraken wins, typically end up in lub sections since there is no protective netting.
Season ticket holders get a 25 percent discount on concessions.
Cons:
Expensive pricing.
Access to the club areas requires scanning your ticket each time you enter, meaning your friends without club tickets are not allowed to join you in the club area.
The Loge Level is located at street level, meaning when you enter CPA, you’ll already be on the correct level. Sections numbered in the 100s are considered the Loge Level. The following sections are included in this area:
101-104, 111-114 – Kraken-shoot-twice side, sections range from center-ice to the corners.
115-117, 124-126 – Visiting team side, sections range from center-ice to the corners.
105-110 – Kraken-shoot-twice end of the ice.
118-123 – AMEX Club, visiting team end of the ice.
The Loge Level provides excellent views of the entire ice surface from any seat. With a steeper sightline compared to the lower bowl, you’re able to get a good perspective of the action. However, if you find yourself behind a taller person, it can be challenging to see clearly. Overall, these seats offer great sight lines for an immersive experience.
These seats run along the sides of the ice and are not obstructed by the protective netting. Pricing is comparable to lower bowl seating. Row A ensures you have an unobstructed view, although a metal-topped protective glass barrier might slightly interfere with your sightline. Being higher up, these seats offer a broader perspective of the game, allowing you to see plays develop more clearly. However, they feel a bit farther from the ice compared to the lower bowl.
Pros:
Great views of the ice to see plays development.
Easy access from CPA entry points, allowing for a quick exit after the game.
Cons:
Pricing is similar to lower bowl seats, so not much of a discount.
The concourse can feel narrow and congested during intermissions, as it serves both the 100 and 200 Levels.
Bathroom lines can be long, contributing to the congestion.
The steeper sight lines may result in people blocking your view if they lean forward, so don’t be surprised (or offended) if someone asks you to lean back.
Bar seats (~$130):
Bar seats on the Loge Level offer a full view of the Twins and a great perspective of the ice. However, the narrow walkway (~four feet) behind these seats means you’ll experience people walking behind you during the game.
These seats offer great value while still providing an exceptional view of the ice. If you’re familiar with the EA Sports NHL video game series, the view here is similar to the classic up/down perspective. The sections span both the 100 and 200 Levels. There are three price points in this section: Row A (~$150-$200), middle rows (B-H, ~$110-$125), and upper rows (J-P, ~$85-$95). For reference, row H aligns with row A of the 200 Level.
All views from these sections are through the protective netting.
Pros:
There is not a bad seat in this area, and these seats deliver on value and view.
Easy access to the Alaska Airlines Atrium, making it simple to get in and out of CPA.
Cons:
The seating is at the same level as the Twins, so you may occasionally find yourself watching the game on the Twins if you are not paying attention.
Food and drink options are limited to small stands, and lines can get long.
Bathroom lines can be an issue in this section as well.
Despite being in the 100s, many of the seats are at the same height as the 200 Level.
These seats are a mirror of the Loge Level Kraken-shoot-twice end of the ice seats (Sections 105-110), with a few notable differences:
Located on the visitor-shoot-twice end of the ice
Sections extend lower than the Loge Level, with row A in line with the suite level
Rows A-C offer larger seats similar to the Symetra/WaFd Club seats
Row F is in line with Loge Level row A; row N is in line with 200 Level row A
Private entrance for AMEX Club members
Access to the AMEX Club, from other parts of the arena, is via the suite level
Private food and drink options available
Private bathrooms for club members
This section is all about the extra perks balanced with the cost. The height in this section ranges from as low as the suite level to as high as the 200 Level, offering three price points:
Row A-C (~$220-$250)
Middle rows (D-P, ~$160-$195)
Upper rows (Q-V, ~$130-$150)
Pros:
Extra benefits over regular seats, including private food and drink options.
Mixed drinks allowed in your seats.
Private bathrooms and a private entrance for club members.
Cons:
Price can be steep for the additional perks.
While getting to the main sections of CPA is not difficult, being located on the suite level can create some separation from the rest of the arena, which can make it a little harder to get to other areas of the arena.
The 200 Level sections run along the sides of the ice. Sections 201-204 and 224-226 are on the players’ bench side, while Sections 211-217 are on the same side as the penalty boxes and the press box. These sections offer the best value, providing a good view of the ice at a lower price point than other areas in the arena. Row A, being the front row, will be the most expensive (~$150-$170) in these sections.
It’s important to note that the higher seats on the press box side are positioned behind the press box. While you can see the full ice surface, you won’t have a clear view of the Twins (dual scoreboards). Instead, you’ll see TV screens mounted on the back of the press box.
The 200 Level offers an excellent vantage point to watch the game, with views that allow you to follow the play as it develops. Access to this level is the same as where you enter CPA. Like the Loge Level, you may encounter some congestion in the concourse and bathrooms during intermissions. If it’s your first time at CPA or you’ve never explored the main level (lower bowl), be sure to take a walk down to see The Lair (team store) and Living Wall.
The 200 Level offers upper-deck seats with a full view of the ice. Sections 201-204 are located on the Kraken-shoot-twice side, while Sections 224-226 are on the visitor-shoot-twice side.
Pros:
Great value with excellent views at the lowest price.
Seats are near the entry points, making it easy to exit CPA quickly before the fans in the lower bowl have time to take the escalator back to the street level.
Full view of the Twins (dual scoreboards).
Cons:
Hallways can get congested, and bathroom lines are often long.
Steep sight lines can be challenging; people leaning forward or tall individuals may block your view, though you can usually shift left or right in your seat to find a clearer view.
These sections mirror the 200 Level players’ bench side but with a key difference: Rows F and above are positioned behind the press box, which blocks the view of the Twins (dual scoreboards). To address this, TV screens are installed so you can still see what’s displayed on the Twins, similar to the bar seats in the lower bowl.
You’ll have an unobstructed view of the ice without the protective netting in your line of sight for the entire game. However, the press box design does slightly muffle the arena’s sound, creating a subtle sense of separation from the crowd. Occasional movement in the press box gangway may also distract you from the game. If you prefer a view of the Twins, aim for rows A-E, which are below the press box.
Pros:
Cheapest seat option at CPA with a clear view of the ice.
Although not specifically designed for this, these sections are not as loud, so if crowd noise is a concern, this might be a section to try.
Cons:
Concourse congestion and long bathroom lines.
The press box can be a minor drawback if seated in row F and above, as it blocks the view of the Twins.
While CPA offers excellent views from nearly every seat, these seats rank lower in value due to their pricing. Originally, they were intended as 21+ seating with exclusive access to the Space Needle Lounge. However, now that the lounge is accessible to all fans, the premium pricing for upper-deck seats feels less justified. These sections sit above Sections 105-110 and can only be accessed through the Space Needle Lounge.
Pros:
Space Needle Lounge stays relatively empty during games, so it’s easy to grab a drink and enjoy it in your seat.
These seats flank “The Deck,” where in-game announcements and prize contests happen. Buoy, announcers, and occasional celebrities frequent The Deck, making it easier to get pictures and interact with them from here.
Bathrooms on the Space Needle Lounge level are easily accessible from these seats, allowing you to avoid long lines.
The King 5 Broadcast desk has a new home here, where you can watch Alison Lukan and Ian Furness during intermissions.
Offers a bird’s-eye view of the ice.
Cons:
The high price is steep for upper-deck seating, especially since the lounge, bathrooms, and broadcast desk are now open to all fans.
These seats are the ultimate experience for glass-level viewing. Accessed via elevators to the event level (LL4), Cove seating requires ticket holders to show their tickets when exiting the elevator, as this level also houses the players’ locker rooms. While there are no food vendors on this level, food and drinks can be ordered directly to your seat via mobile phone—a convenient perk that means you don’t have to leave your seat, even mid-period.
Buoy, the team mascot, often visits the Cove sections, making it easy to get a photo. These seats provide an up-close, intense view of the action at your end of the ice, but views of play at the opposite end are limited, often requiring you to check the Twins (dual scoreboards). However, the Twins are almost directly above, so you may need to crane your neck or look to the opposite side for a clearer view.
Cove seating locations
Cove 4 and 11 – On the Kraken-shoot-twice side. Cove 4 is beside the visiting team’s bench.
Cove 17 and 24 – On the visitor-shoot-twice side. Cove 24 is next to the Kraken bench, allowing views of players heading to their dressing room during intermission.
Cove seating overview
Each Cove has two rows: Row AA (~$530-$750) and row BB (~$430-$550). Row AA seats are on the glass, offering the closest proximity to the action. However, row BB, can give you a hard time viewing the ice, as the seats are usually not elevated, so you are looking through people in row AA. There is an exception to this in Cove 11, where row BB seats 1-10 are elevated.
Pros:
Unmatched view of the action directly in front of you—ideal for any hockey fan to try at least once in their lifetime.
Food delivery directly to your seat.
Best location to watch warm-ups and potentially catch a souvenir puck from players.
Cons:
Limited view of action at the far end of the ice.
Row BB can have obstructed sight lines from row AA.
If you’ve made it this far in the guide, you’ve probably noticed a trend: bathroom lines can get long in many sections. Here’s a tip I learned from an interview with the Seattle Kraken Ice Breakers: ice scrapes happen during TV timeouts, and there’s a set schedule for them. The first stoppage after the 14:00, 10:00, and 6:00 minute marks of the period gives you two minutes before play resumes—just enough time to sneak out for a quick bathroom break. For the full schedule details, check out the Ice Breakers interview.
Student Rush
The Seattle Kraken are working to make NHL hockey more accessible by offering last-minute tickets to students. Tickets cost $35 for upper bowl seats and $55 for lower bowl seats. To be eligible, you’ll need to register, and more information can be found on nhl.com.
Conclusion
My goal is to encourage fans to attend as many games as possible and feel confident about their seating choices. I hope this guide helps you find a seat you’ll truly enjoy. Having experienced each area firsthand, I can confirm—there’s no bad seat in the house!
