Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In a remarkable display of skill and poise, Seattle Kraken's goaltender Joey Daccord delivered an outstanding performance, securing a 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. The match, held at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday, saw Daccord make an impressive 35 saves, etching his name in the history books as the first goalie to record a shutout in a Winter Classic event.
This feat marks Daccord's fifth shutout in the NHL's celebrated outdoor games, with his previous one coming against the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023. The Kraken's netminder has been a wall between the pipes, consistently demonstrating why he is considered one of the top goalies in the league.
Daccord's Heroics Between the Pipes
Seattle center Matty Beniers lauded Daccord's stellar goaltending, highlighting his ability to not only make the expected saves but also those that seem nearly impossible. "You always talk about goalies and what a really good goalie is, and the best way to describe it is he saves the ones he needs to and then he saves one or two more that he shouldn't save. And that's what he's done for us basically every game," Beniers said, expressing admiration for Daccord's consistent performance.
Daccord's heroics were particularly evident in key moments of the game, where he made crucial saves against Vegas' Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. His efforts did not go unnoticed by the fans, who chanted his name in unison at T-Mobile Park, celebrating their goalie's exceptional play after the game concluded.
Offensive Support for the Kraken
On the offensive front, Eeli Tolvanen was a force to be reckoned with, contributing a goal and an assist to the Kraken's cause. Tolvanen showcased his scoring touch early in the first period, redirecting a shot from Vince Dunn into the back of the net. The momentum continued into the second period when Will Borgen capitalized on Tolvanen's assist to extend the lead.
The final nail in the coffin came early in the third period, courtesy of Yanni Gourde, who stole the puck and found the back of the net, solidifying the Kraken's dominance throughout the game. This victory extends Seattle's point streak to nine games (7-0-2), further proving their resilience and competitive edge in the current season.
Coaches Reflect on the Game
Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol shared his thoughts on the victory and the significance of the event. "To have the opportunity to do this in this ballpark, in front of our home fans, get the result that everybody wanted makes it pretty special and that's the best way to remember this event," Hakstol remarked, underscoring the importance of home support and the memorable experience provided by the Winter Classic.
Conversely, Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy expressed disappointment in his team's performance, particularly in the early stages of the game. "It got to be 2-0, and we didn't have the urgency required early on. By the time we got it, we're chasing the game, which has happened to us lately," Cassidy said, pinpointing the lack of initial drive as a recurring issue for the Golden Knights. He added, "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate," reflecting on the missed opportunities to take control of the game.
Vegas captain Mark Stone suggested that fatigue might be playing a role in the team's recent struggles, as the Golden Knights have now lost five of their last six games. With the hope of bouncing back, the team looks ahead to their next matchup against the Florida Panthers on January 4.
Looking Forward
As both teams move forward from the Winter Classic, the Kraken will host the Ottawa Senators on the same day, aiming to continue their impressive point streak and further cement their place in the standings. With the morale boost from their historic win and the unwavering support of their fans, the Seattle Kraken are shaping up to be a formidable force as the season progresses.
The stage is set for an exciting continuation of the NHL season, with teams like the Kraken and Golden Knights looking to capitalize on their experiences at the Winter Classic to propel them through the remainder of the year.