Hey you. You’re swept up in all this Seattle Kraken hype. You want to know more about hockey but don’t know where to start. Well, we want to help make these games easy and fun for you to watch.

Throughout the season, we’ll release Landlubber’s Guides designed with the new fan in mind. This includes basic need-to-know info for you to absorb before you watch Kraken games and highlights.

Let’s dive in to the New Jersey Devils.

Are they any good?

Historically, no. The Devils have finished recent seasons either at or near the bottom of the standings in the Metropolitan Division. But they’ve got some good pieces on the roster this year. They probably won’t make the playoffs but maybe they can start turning things around?

Who should I look out for?

• Dougie Hamilton (Defender, #7) - This former Carolina Hurricanes star just signed a seven-year $63 million with the Devils as an unrestricted free agent. Hamilton’s first goal with the Devils came 17 seconds into the season so it looks like his contract is paying off so far. He’s definitely one of the Devil’s key components. Hopefully he’ll help turn them into winners.

• Jack Hughes (Center, #86) - Jack Hughes is the middle child of three brothers who current play in the NHL. He’s supposed to be pretty good at hockey but he’s GREAT at celebrating goals. Hughes tossed his stick into the stands—the ultimate flex—after scoring his first goal of the night in the Devils opening game. Now he’s one of my favorite players.

Any Seattle ties?

Not that I know of. If there’s anyone on the Devils who used to play in the PNW or any of our local WHL teams, let me know in the comments!

Odds and Ends

• The Kraken snagged Nathan Bastian (Right Wing, #14) from the Devils in the Expansion Draft. That seems to be going well so far.

• Tomáš Tatar (Left Wing, #90) participated in a GoPro promo video “NHL After Dark” showing off his silky mitts (read Dan’s guide to hockey slang). These GoPro videos helped me get excited about hockey when I was first starting out. Definitely worth a watch.

• This is the Kraken’s last road game before the home opener at Climate Pledge Arena.

Today’s game starts at 4PM PST, broadcast on ROOT Sports NW for local subscribers and ESPN+ for out of market fans.