There are three key components to the success of the Carolina Kraken this season:

1. Betzee Nickelback - Betzee has been an anchor of this forward core for two seasons now and has generated mixed results. At her best she's a top player in the league, but that best - like most Carolina products these days - is inconsistent as they come. In order for Carolina to take the next step, their captain and top line center for multiple seasons, is going to need to take the next step as well.

2/3. Ongo Gablogian and Olivija Agate - The dynamic rookie pair put up respectable numbers their first season in the league, but now the training wheels are fully off. Both Os have taken off developmentally, and they're going to be massively relied on with the departure of standouts Westley Kirkpatrick and Lazer Gato, the top pairing for multiple seasons before them. They have the talent to fill those shoes, but they're leading a young and very inexperienced defensive six.