The Vegas Golden Knights set unrealistic expectations for every expansion franchise that has come (and will come) after them, making it to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural campaign.
But from an absolute perspective, what the Seattle Kraken have done in their second campaign is quite impressive.
With fewer than 10 games remaining, they are holding tightly to the Western Conference's second wild-card spot. But should they aim higher?
The Kraken have 88 points and 31 regulation wins, behind the Golden Knights (98, 34), Los Angeles Kings (96, 33) and Edmonton Oilers (95, 39).