Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In a remarkable display of skill and composure, Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord delivered an impeccable performance to secure a 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. The game, which took place at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday, saw Daccord make an impressive 35 saves, leading his team to triumph in what was the first shutout in Winter Classic history.
This achievement marks Daccord's fifth shutout in the NHL's outdoor games, adding to his growing reputation as a formidable presence between the pipes. His last shutout came against the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023, further solidifying his status as a key player for the Kraken.
Daccord's Key Saves
The goalie's heroics included several crucial stops against top players like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, showcasing his reflexes and anticipation. As the final horn sounded at T-Mobile Park, fans erupted in chants of Daccord's name, celebrating the goalie's stellar performance.
Matty Beniers, Seattle's center, spoke highly of Daccord, saying, "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."
Offensive Support
While Daccord held the fort at one end, the Kraken's offense made sure to capitalize on their opportunities. Eeli Tolvanen played a pivotal role, scoring a goal and assisting another. He opened the scoring early in the first period by artfully redirecting a shot from Vince Dunn past the Golden Knights' goaltender.
Will Borgen expanded the lead with a goal off an assist from Tolvanen in the second period, while Yanni Gourde sealed the deal early in the third by stealing the puck and finding the back of the net. This offensive burst helped extend Seattle's point streak to nine games, boasting a record of 7-0-2 during this span.
Coaches' Reflections
Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol expressed satisfaction with both the victory and the event itself, remarking, "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."
On the other side, Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy did not hide his disappointment, particularly with the start his team got off to. "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 lamented. He added, "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate."
Mark Stone of the Golden Knights suggested that fatigue might be contributing to the team's recent struggles, as they lost their fifth game in six attempts.
Looking Ahead
The Vegas Golden Knights will look to rebound from this loss when they face the Florida Panthers on January 4. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken will aim to continue their impressive run as they host the Ottawa Senators on the same day.
As teams move forward into the season, the Winter Classic will undoubtedly remain a highlight for the Seattle Kraken and their fans, with Joey Daccord's historic shutout performance at the heart of those fond memories.