Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In a remarkable display of skill and poise, Seattle Kraken's goaltender Joey Daccord achieved a historic milestone by shutting out the Vegas Golden Knights with a decisive 3-0 victory at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday. The shutout was not only Daccord's fifth in the league's celebrated outdoor games but also marked the first ever in the history of the Winter Classic series.
Daccord's stellar performance included an impressive tally of 35 saves, denying the Golden Knights any chance to light the lamp. This latest shutout follows his previous one against the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023, further cementing his reputation as a formidable presence between the pipes.
The T-Mobile Park crowd, witnessing their team's triumph, erupted into chants for Daccord after the game, celebrating his crucial role in the Kraken's success. His efforts did not go unnoticed by his teammates either, with center Matty Beniers lauding the goalie's consistent ability to make the necessary saves and then some. "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.
Offensive Contributions Seal the Deal
The offensive support for Daccord's shutout came from various sources during the game. Eeli Tolvanen played a pivotal role in the Kraken's victory, scoring one goal and assisting another. He opened the scoring early in the first period by redirecting a shot from Vince Dunn past the opposing netminder.
Will Borgen capitalized on Tolvanen's assist in the second period, adding to the Kraken's lead. Yanni Gourde continued the offensive onslaught by stealing the puck and finding the back of the net early in the third period, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Golden Knights.
This win extended the Kraken's point streak to nine games, boasting an impressive record of 7-0-2 during that span. Their form has been nothing short of outstanding, showcasing both defensive resilience and offensive firepower.
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 reflected, emphasizing the importance of the fan experience and the team's performance.
On the opposite bench, Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy expressed disappointment with his team's showing. "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 remarked, noting the lack of immediate response from his players. He also conveyed his discontent with the team's start, stating, "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate."
The Golden Knights' captain, Mark Stone, suggested that fatigue might be playing a role in the team's recent struggles, having lost five of their last six games. The team will look to bounce back when they face the Florida Panthers on January 4.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are set to return to the ice soon, with the Golden Knights aiming to reverse their fortunes against the Panthers. Meanwhile, the Kraken will host the Ottawa Senators on the same day, looking to extend their point streak and continue their ascent in the standings.
The Kraken's recent performances, capped by the Winter Classic victory, have galvanized their fan base and sent a strong message to the rest of the league: Seattle is a force to be reckoned with, and at the heart of their surge is the outstanding play of Joey Daccord. As the chants of his name echoed through T-Mobile Park, it became clear that Daccord is not just a guardian of the net but a catalyst for the team's growing legacy in the NHL.
As the season progresses, the Kraken's cohesion and resilience will be tested, but if this Winter Classic has shown anything, it's that they have the talent and determination to meet those challenges head-on. For now, Seattle can bask in the glory of a historic win and a goalie who has proven himself as one of the elite.