Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In an electrifying display of skill and poise, Seattle Kraken's goaltender Joey Daccord etched his name into the NHL record books. The talented netminder led his team to a commanding 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday. Daccord's performance was not just a win but also a historic moment as he secured the first shutout in the history of the Winter Classic, stopping all 35 shots directed his way.
This remarkable feat marked Daccord's fifth shutout in the league's celebrated outdoor games, further proving his prowess between the pipes. His last shutout came against the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023, showcasing his consistency and reliability for the Kraken throughout the season.
Daccord's Key Saves
The game saw Daccord make a series of crucial saves, denying top players like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone from finding the back of the net. These pivotal moments not only kept the Golden Knights at bay but also energized the Kraken and their supporters. Following the final horn, fans at T-Mobile Park expressed their appreciation by chanting Daccord's name, a testament to his standout performance.
Offensive Contributions
While Daccord's goaltending was the cornerstone of the win, Seattle's offense also played a critical role. Eeli Tolvanen had an outstanding night, scoring a goal and recording an assist. He opened the scoring early in the first period with a deft redirection of Vince Dunn's shot. Later, Will Borgen capitalized on Tolvanen's assist to extend the lead in the second period.
Yanni Gourde added to the tally early in the third period with a steal and a subsequent goal, sealing the fate of the game. This offensive burst helped the Kraken continue their impressive run, extending their point streak to nine games (7-0-2), and solidifying their position as a formidable force in the league.
Team Reactions
Seattle center Matty Beniers spoke highly of Daccord, summarizing what makes an elite goalie: "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 Daccord's exceptional abilities.
For Daccord, the support from the fans was overwhelming. "It's truly the coolest thing in the world to have that support from them," he remarked, clearly moved by the affection shown by the Kraken faithful.
Kraken coach Dave Hakstol reflected on the significance of the event and the victory, stating, "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."
Golden Knights' Struggles Continue
On the other side, the defeat added to the woes of the Vegas Golden Knights, who suffered their fifth loss in six games. Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy did not hide his disappointment with the team's start, saying, "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 expressed his discontent with the initial effort, noting, "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate."
Vegas captain Mark Stone suggested that fatigue might be a contributing factor to the team's recent struggles, hinting at the need for rest and recuperation if they are to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are set to return to action soon, with the Golden Knights facing off against the Florida Panthers on January 4th, seeking to reverse their fortunes. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken will look to maintain their momentum as they host the Ottawa Senators on the same day.
As the NHL season progresses, the Winter Classic victory and Daccord's historic shutout will undoubtedly serve as a highlight for the Seattle Kraken, a team that continues to demonstrate its competitive edge and collective spirit.