Vancouver Canucks

Lore & Background

The rivalry's foundation was laid in the Kraken's inaugural season. On October 23, 2021, the Kraken played their first home game at Climate Pledge Arena against the Vancouver Canucks, a 4–2 loss. Prior to that game, the Kraken retired jersey number 32, honoring the franchise as the 32nd NHL team and the 32,000 fans who placed deposits on the first day. This moment established the Canucks as the first opponent in Kraken home history. As division rivals, the teams meet four times each regular season, with every game carrying weight for Pacific Division standings. The proximity of Seattle and Vancouver fuels a unique atmosphere, as fans from both cities cross the border, creating a blend of home and away energy at both arenas. The rivalry is still young, defined by close games and the desire to establish dominance in a shared territory rather than a single historic incident.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Climate Pledge Arena was thick with anticipation on October 23, 2021, as the Kraken hosted the Vancouver Canucks for their first home game. A single slap shot rang out, echoing off the glass, while thousands of voices from both Washington and Canada roared in unison—a chaotic symphony of regional pride. The Kraken fell 4–2, but the moment marked the birth of a border rivalry.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry originated immediately with Seattle's entry into the NHL in 2021. As fellow Pacific Division members, the teams meet four times every regular season, ensuring frequent contact. Key moments have been defined by close games and the Kraken's first home game—a 4–2 loss to the Canucks—rather than a single defining incident, as the history is still young. The proximity of the cities means fans often travel across the border, creating a unique mix of home and away crowds at both venues. Fan reactions are characterized by high energy and respectful but fierce competition. The rivalry influences team dynamics by adding extra pressure to every shift, knowing that a loss directly impacts their regional standing against their closest neighbor.

Did You Know?

• The Kraken's first home game in franchise history was a 4–2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on October 23, 2021.
• Prior to that game, the Kraken retired jersey number 32 to honor the franchise being the 32nd NHL team and the 32,000 fans who placed deposits on the first day.
• The Kraken and Canucks are both members of the Pacific Division, ensuring they meet four times every regular season.
• The Kraken finished their inaugural season last in the Pacific Division with a 27–49–6 record and 60 points.