A Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In an electrifying display of skill and poise, Seattle Kraken's goaltender Joey Daccord achieved a historic milestone by recording the first-ever shutout in a Winter Classic. The Kraken triumphed over the Vegas Golden Knights with a decisive 3-0 victory on Monday, marking a significant moment for the team and Daccord himself.
Daccord, who faced a barrage of 35 shots, remained unyielding between the pipes during the 2024 NHL Winter Classic. His impeccable performance not only led his team to victory but also etched his name into the annals of the NHL as the author of the first shutout in the league's prestigious outdoor games series.
Daccord's Outdoor Game Dominance
This latest feat is not Daccord's first brush with glory under the open sky. The shutout against the Golden Knights represents his fifth in the NHL's outdoor games, showcasing his exceptional ability to perform at the highest level in unique conditions. Daccord's previous shutout was less than a month prior when he silenced the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023.
Seattle center Matty Beniers lauded Daccord's consistency and knack for making incredible saves. "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, highlighting the goaltender's critical role in the team's success.
Among Daccord's remarkable saves were those against formidable opponents like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. These key moments helped maintain Seattle's momentum and ultimately led to their victory.
The Roar of the Home Crowd
As the final buzzer sounded at T-Mobile Park, fans erupted in chants of Daccord's name, a testament to his standout performance and their appreciation for his contribution to the team's success. Daccord expressed his gratitude for the support, saying, "It's truly the coolest thing in the world to have that support from them."
Contributions Across the Roster
While Daccord's goaltending was the cornerstone of the win, the Kraken's offensive efforts were equally noteworthy. Eeli Tolvanen had a hand in two of the three goals, scoring one and assisting another. Tolvanen opened the scoring early in the first period by expertly redirecting a shot from Vince Dunn, setting the tone for the game. Will Borgen capitalized on Tolvanen's assist in the second period, further extending the lead.
Early in the third period, Yanni Gourde demonstrated his puck-stealing prowess, adding another goal to the tally and sealing the fate of the game. This collective effort extended Seattle's point streak to nine games, boasting an impressive 7-0-2 record during this span.
Coaches Reflect on the Game
Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol shared his thoughts on the victory and the event, emphasizing the special nature of the occasion. "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, acknowledging the significance of the win in front of the home crowd.
On the other side, the Golden Knights' coach Bruce Cassidy did not hide his disappointment with his team's performance. "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 observed, reflecting on the challenges his team faced in finding their rhythm.
Cassidy further expressed his discontent, stating, "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate." Meanwhile, Vegas captain Mark Stone suggested that fatigue might be a contributing factor to the Golden Knights' recent struggles, as they lost their fifth game in six attempts.
Looking Ahead
As both teams look to their next matchups, the Vegas Golden Knights are set to face the Florida Panthers on January 4, hoping to rebound from their current slump. The Kraken will host the Ottawa Senators on the same day, aiming to continue their impressive point streak and build upon their Winter Classic triumph.
With the season progressing, the Seattle Kraken and Joey Daccord have firmly established themselves as forces to be reckoned with, thanks