A Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In a display of goaltending prowess, Seattle Kraken's Joey Daccord delivered an impeccable performance, securing a 3-0 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights. The match, held at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday, saw Daccord make an impressive 35 saves, marking the first shutout in the history of the Winter Classic and the fifth in his career for NHL's outdoor games.
Daccord's Stellar Record
The shutout against the Golden Knights wasn't Daccord's first rodeo; he had previously blanked the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023. His consistent form has been a cornerstone for the Kraken, particularly in this game where his heroics between the pipes were crucial. Notably, Daccord made several key saves against top players like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, much to the delight of the fans who chanted his name in celebration at T-Mobile Park following the game.
Team Contributions
While Daccord's goaltending was the highlight, it was a team effort that led to the Kraken's win. Forward Eeli Tolvanen made significant contributions with a goal and an assist. He opened the scoring early in the first period by expertly redirecting a shot from teammate Vince Dunn. In the second period, Will Borgen capitalized on Tolvanen's assist to extend the lead. Yanni Gourde then sealed the deal early in the third period with a steal and a goal, showcasing the Kraken's offensive depth.
The victory didn't just add another win to their record but also extended Seattle's point streak to nine games, with an impressive run of 7-0-2. This streak has undoubtedly boosted the team's morale and positioned them as formidable opponents in the league.
Reactions to the Victory
Seattle center Matty Beniers spoke highly of Daccord's influence on the team, stating, "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." This sentiment reflects the confidence the team places in their goalie's abilities.
Daccord himself expressed gratitude for the support, saying, "It's truly the coolest thing in the world to have that support from them," acknowledging the fans' role in spurring him and the team on to greater heights.
Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol shared his thoughts on the event, remarking on the special nature of the win at the ballpark in front of home fans, "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."
Challenges for the Golden Knights
On the other side of the ice, the Vegas Golden Knights faced their fifth loss in six games. Head coach Bruce Cassidy openly expressed his disappointment in the team's performance, particularly noting a lack of urgency: "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 also lamented the team's slow start, "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate."
Vegas captain Mark Stone suggested fatigue might be playing a role in the team's recent struggles, hinting at the need for the team to regroup and find their stride once again.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are preparing for their next challenges, with the Golden Knights set to face the Florida Panthers on January 4. The Kraken will host the Ottawa Senators on the same day, looking to maintain their momentum and extend their point streak further.
As the season progresses, the Seattle Kraken will continue to rely on the solid foundation provided by their goaltender Joey Daccord, while the Vegas Golden Knights aim to overcome their slump and return to winning ways. The 2024 NHL Winter Classic will be remembered not only for the historic shutout by Daccord but also for the collective effort of the Seattle Kraken, who demonstrated that they are a team to watch this season.