When the Seattle Kraken joined the NHL as the league’s 32nd franchise in 2021, few expected their matchups with the Dallas Stars to evolve into one of the Western Conference’s most compelling non-divisional rivalries. But over the past three seasons, Stars vs Kraken games have consistently delivered high-octane action, dramatic finishes, and stakes that extend beyond regular-season points. For Dallas, a team steeped in playoff pedigree, these matchups test their ability to adapt to a fast-rising young opponent. For Seattle, facing the Stars is a chance to prove they belong among the league’s elite. As both teams continue to chase Western Conference playoff spots, every Stars vs Kraken clash feels like a preview of what’s to come in the postseason—making them must-watch events for hockey fans everywhere.
The Origins of the Stars vs Kraken Rivalry
The first Stars vs Kraken meeting took place on October 23, 2021, at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, marking the Kraken’s first home game against a Central Division powerhouse. Dallas entered as the favorite, but Seattle refused to play the role of expansion pushover. The game went back and forth: the Kraken led 2-1 in the second period before the Stars’ Jamie Benn tied it with a power-play goal. Seattle retook the lead in the third via Jordan Eberle, but Dallas’ Joe Pavelski netted a late equalizer to send the game to overtime. Tyler Seguin’s OT winner gave the Stars the 4-3 victory, but the Kraken’s fight that night signaled the start of something more than just a one-off matchup.
By the 2022-23 season, the rivalry had deepened. Seattle’s rapid improvement—from last-place expansion team to playoff contender—meant every Stars vs Kraken game carried weight. A March 2023 clash in Seattle became a defining moment: the Stars led 2-1 late in the third, but Matty Beniers tied it with 90 seconds left, and Jared McCann sealed a 3-2 win with a last-minute goal. The crowd’s roar echoed through Climate Pledge Arena, and the win solidified Seattle’s playoff position while denting Dallas’ seeding hopes. This game turned casual matchups into must-see battles, as both teams realized the other was a legitimate threat in the Western Conference.
Dallas Stars: A Legacy of Playoff Pedigree
The Dallas Stars are no strangers to success. Founded in 1967 as the Minnesota North Stars before moving to Texas in 1993, the team has a rich history highlighted by their 1999 Stanley Cup win (beating the Buffalo Sabres in six games) and a 2020 Stanley Cup Final appearance (losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning). Led by captain Jamie Benn— a rugged power forward with a knack for clutch goals— and veteran playmaker Tyler Seguin, the Stars blend experience with youthful talent like Miro Heiskanen, an elite defenseman who’s quickly becoming one of the league’s best.
Head coach Pete DeBoer’s system emphasizes structured defense and counterattacking efficiency. The Stars allow fewer high-danger chances than most teams, relying on their blue line and goaltender Jake Oettinger to shut down opponents. This disciplined approach has kept Dallas in playoff contention year after year, and when they face the Kraken, their experience often clashes with Seattle’s fast-paced offense—creating a dynamic that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. For the Dallas Stars, every game against the Kraken is an opportunity to assert their dominance in the Western Conference and remind the league of their championship pedigree.
Seattle Kraken: From Expansion Newcomers to Contenders
The Seattle Kraken’s journey from expansion underdogs to playoff contenders is one of the NHL’s most inspiring recent stories. Their 2021-22 debut season was a tough one—60 points, last in the Pacific Division—but the team used that experience to build a young, talented core. The 2022-23 season marked a turning point: 100 points, third in the Pacific, and their first playoff berth. Key to this success was Matty Beniers, the 2023 Calder Trophy winner (NHL Rookie of the Year), who led the team with 57 points. Jared McCann emerged as a top goal scorer (40 goals), and goaltender Philipp Grubauer found his form with 27 wins.
Head coach Dave Hakstol’s focus on speed and offensive creativity has turned the Kraken into one of the league’s most exciting teams. They play a fast, aggressive style, using their young players’ athleticism to pressure opponents and create scoring chances. Seattle’s fans—dubbed the “Kraken Faithful”—have embraced this style, turning Climate Pledge Arena into one of the loudest venues in the NHL. When the Kraken face the Dallas Stars, they’re not just playing another game—they’re proving they belong among the league’s elite. For the Seattle Kraken, beating a team like Dallas is a statement that their rise is no fluke.
Key Moments That Defined Stars vs Kraken
Beyond the inaugural win and the 2023 late-season upset, several other games have added to the rivalry’s intensity:
- April 2023 Shootout Thriller: In a late-season clash in Dallas, the Stars and Kraken traded blows for 65 minutes. Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen scored two goals, while Seattle’s Jaden Schwartz notched a hat trick. The game went to a shootout, where Joe Pavelski’s fifth-round goal gave the Stars a 5-4 win. This game showcased both teams’ offensive firepower and the drama that comes with their matchups.
- 2024 Preseason Showdown: Though preseason games are often low-stakes, this one felt different. Seattle’s young forward Ryan Donato scored a hat trick, leading the Kraken to a 4-2 win. The game was a sign that Seattle’s core was continuing to grow, and that the Stars would need to bring their A-game in the regular season.
These moments have made the Stars vs Kraken matchup one of the most unpredictable in the NHL—you never know when a late goal or a shootout will decide the outcome.
Why Stars vs Kraken Games Are Must-Watch
There are three key reasons why every Stars vs Kraken game is worth tuning in for:
- Style Clash: Dallas’ structured, defensive approach vs Seattle’s fast, offensive style creates a dynamic that’s both tactical and exciting. The Stars try to slow the game down, while the Kraken push the pace—leading to tense battles for control of the ice.
- Fan Energy: Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena is a cauldron of noise, with fans waving tentacles and chanting “Release the Kraken.” Dallas’ American Airlines Center is equally passionate, with fans cheering every hit and goal. The energy from both fan bases adds to the intensity of the game.
- Playoff Stakes: Both teams are consistently in the mix for Western Conference playoff spots. A win or loss in a Stars vs Kraken game can shift seeding, making every point count. This stakes-driven intensity turns regular-season games into playoff-like battles.
The Future of the Stars vs Kraken Rivalry
As Seattle’s young core matures—Beniers, McCann, and defenseman Vince Dunn are all under 28—the Kraken will only get better. Dallas’ veterans (Benn, Seguin) are still playing at a high level, and their young stars (Heiskanen, Oettinger) are becoming superstars. It’s only a matter of time before the Stars vs Kraken matchup happens in the playoffs—something that would take the rivalry to the next level.
Fans can expect more dramatic finishes, high-scoring games, and intense moments as these two teams continue to battle for Western Conference supremacy. The rivalry may be young, but it’s already one of the most exciting in the NHL. Whether you’re a die-hard Dallas Stars fan, a Seattle Kraken faithful, or just a hockey lover looking for great action, Stars vs Kraken is a matchup you don’t want to miss.
In the end, the Stars vs Kraken rivalry is a celebration of hockey’s past and future. Dallas represents the league’s legacy of championship success, while Seattle embodies the excitement of new talent and growth. As both teams chase their Stanley Cup dreams, the rivalry will only grow stronger—proving that sometimes the best rivalries are the ones no one saw coming. So grab your jersey, sit back, and enjoy the show—because Stars vs Kraken is here to stay.