The Seattle Kraken, in an impressive and unexpected feat, reached the Stanley Cup playoffs in only their second year of existence. We unfortunately were playing the defending champions, the Colorado Avalanche, and our prospects weren’t great. But the team continued to over-achieve and ultimately won the series 4-3. This gave us three historic first-ever NHL playoffs home games, and we attended every one. The play was intense, the atmosphere was electric, and we had a fantastic time at each event.

Below are highlights from April 22nd, 24th and 28th, 2023. Click any image for a larger view, or click the position to view the location on a map. And a map with our most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.

4/22/2023

NHL Playoffs Position: 47°37.29’N, -122°21.23’W Entering Climate Pledge Arena to watch the Kraken’s first ever NHL playoffs home game. After two games in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche, the series is tied 1-1. It’s amazing the Kraken even reached the playoffs in their second year of existence, let alone actually beat the defending Stanley Cup champions in game one of the series.

Red Alert Position: 47°37.29’N, -122°21.23’W Red Alert, the Seattle Kraken marching band, playing inside Climate Pledge Arena before the playoff game.

Warm Up Position: 47°37.32’N, -122°21.22’W The Kraken and Avalanche players warming up before the game. Draped across the back of each seat is Kraken towel for fans to wave in support of the team.

Pete Carroll Position: 47°37.33’N, -122°21.24’W Partway through the first period, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll appeared to rally the fans, saying “This is history in the making! We’re living history tonight!” as the Kraken play their first ever NHL playoffs home game.

Faceoff Position: 47°37.33’N, -122°21.24’W After the Kraken scored first, the Avalanche followed with three unanswered goals. In the second period, we scored 2 goals 19-seconds apart to bring the score to 3-3, and the crowd went wild. The game was super-exciting, but sadly, we lost 6-4 putting the Avalanche one up in the series.

4/24/2023

Game Four Position: 47°37.34’N, -122°21.23’W At Climate Pledge Arena as the Seattle Kraken take on defending Stanley Cup champions the Colorado Avalanche for game four of the first playoff round.

Two All Position: 47°37.33’N, -122°21.24’W Kraken fans cheer for the home team with the score tied at 2-2 against the Colorado Avalanche partway through the 2nd period of game 4. This is way before the game, so the seats haven’t filled in yet and we are walking around the arena to see it from all perspectives. The arena is going to be packed tonight.

Tie-Breaking Goal Position: 47°37.33’N, -122°21.24’W The Kraken celebrate after scoring a game-winning overtime goal to tie the series 2-2.

4/28/2023

Game 6 Position: 47°37.65’N, -122°21.16’W The pre-game show before the Kraken take on the Colorada Avalanche in game 6 of the playoffs. Attendees were given remote-controlled LED wrist bands that flashed and changed colors synchronously to a quite impressive effect. Here the wristband lights are reflecting onto the ice surface.

Kraken Banner Position: 47°37.33’N, -122°21.24’W Supporting a large Kraken banner that is being passed through the crowd. We had a great time at the game, despite the Kraken losing 1-4 to the Avalanche. The series is now tied at 3-3 with the 7th and final game in Denver.

Click the travel log icon on the left to see these locations on a map. And a map of our most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.