Avalanche need defense to step up vs. surging Kraken

The Seattle Kraken didn't match what Vegas did in its inaugural season -- a trip to the Stanley Cup finals five years ago -- but they are a Cup contender already.

Seattle debuted in 2021 and didn't make the playoffs but now is in the playoff hunt in its second season of existence. The Kraken sitin third place in the Pacific Division with 76 points and will get a big test when they travel to Denver to play the Colorado Av