Three reasons why the Golden Knights/Kraken is more fun than you'd realize

Not many people talk about the Seattle Kraken/Vegas Golden Knights rivalry. Not many even knows its existence. But here's why you should.

2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken
2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken / Steph Chambers/GettyImages
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The newest teams in the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Seattle Kraken, have plenty in common. Aside from being the new kids on the block, these are new markets for Gary Bettman to test out. In fact, both were playoff teams in last season's Stanley Cup playoffs, with the Golden Knights emerging as the champion.

That's why the two teams squared off in the 2024 NHL Winter Classic, with Seattle emerging as a 3-0 victor. It was an opportunity to showcase the two youngest franchises in hockey. It might be Bettman learning his lessons from his failure with the Atlanta Thrashers or it might drum up excitement for both fanbases.

So what makes this rivalry unique? What can fans hang their hats on with the two teams going at each other? Here are three things that make the Vegas Golden Knights/Seattle Kraken rivalry special.

1. The smack talk is real

2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken
2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken / Alika Jenner/GettyImages

Not many hockey fans think highly of the Vegas Golden Knights. Granted, that comes with being one of the most successful franchises to start historically. However, the banter between the Kraken and Golden Knights is criminally underrated.

The smack talk between the two franchises has begun, leaving drama and tension in the air. It's a good thing because networks like ESPN and TNT will regularly air these games. The result? Both franchises getting regular exposure to the sports world, making them more successful along the way. This year's Winter Classic is a perfect example.

2. Nobody saw the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken coming

Seattle Kraken v Vegas Golden Knights
Seattle Kraken v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

Hockey fans are accustomed to regular superpowers like the Pittsburgh Penguins or Tampa Bay Lightning. However, having both the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken having some success is refreshing. Look at how close we were to having these two as your Western Conference Final last season.

The Kraken were one game away from this, falling to the Dallas Stars in last season's Western Conference Semifinals. Granted, Seattle hasn't seen the same success this season, sitting on the outside of the playoff picture. However, that doesn't mean they won't be competitive in the future. That's because...

3. Both the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken have bright futures

2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken
2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken / Steph Chambers/GettyImages

The Vegas Golden Knights are your defending Stanley Cup champions. Last season, they dismantled the Florida Panthers, 4-1, to raise Lord Stanley. The Golden Knights just had a busy trade deadline, hoping to repeat as the champions.

The Seattle Kraken have a young core that took down the Colorado Avalanche in last season's Stanley Cup playoffs. Led by a motley crew of Matty Beniers and Jared McCann, the Kraken are poised to take over the NHL.

That leaves hockey fans with the opportunity to usher in a new rivalry. A battle between the two youngest NHL teams, consisting of the big dog vs. the underdog. It's a David vs. Goliath story fit for a Hollywood movie.

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