Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In a display of sheer goaltending prowess, Seattle Kraken's Joey Daccord accomplished a historic feat by shutting out the Vegas Golden Knights with a 3-0 victory at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday. This remarkable win marked the first shutout in the history of the Winter Classic, showcasing Daccord's exceptional skills between the pipes.
Daccord turned away all 35 shots he faced, including pivotal saves against top talents like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. His performance was not just a testament to his reflexes and athleticism but also highlighted his critical role in the team's defensive strategy. The goalie's stellar play has been consistent, as evidenced by his previous shutout against the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023, which contributed to his impressive tally of five shutouts in the NHL's outdoor games.
Team Effort Leads to Victory
The Kraken's success was not solely on Daccord's shoulders; it was a collective effort that saw contributions from various players. Matty Beniers, the Seattle center, lauded Daccord for his incredible saves, 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."
On the offensive front, Eeli Tolvanen was instrumental in securing the win for Seattle. He scored a goal and provided an assist, demonstrating his skillful playmaking abilities. Tolvanen's early goal in the first period came off a deft redirection of a shot from Vince Dunn, setting the tone for the game. Will Borgen capitalized on Tolvanen's assist in the second period, extending the lead and further energizing the team. Yanni Gourde's tenacity paid off when he stole the puck and netted an early third-period goal, sealing the fate of the game.
The Kraken's triumph extended their point streak to nine games, with an impressive record of 7-0-2, signaling a strong phase for the franchise. Fans expressed their appreciation for the team's performance, chanting Daccord's name in unison at T-Mobile Park after the game, reinforcing the goalie's sentiment: "It's truly the coolest thing in the world to have that support from them," he remarked.
Coaches Reflect on the Game
Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol shared his thoughts on the victory and the event itself, acknowledging the significance of achieving such a milestone before the home crowd. "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 said.
Contrastingly, the mood in the Vegas camp was somber. The Golden Knights' loss added to a concerning trend, marking their fifth defeat in six outings. Head coach Bruce Cassidy did not shy away from expressing his disappointment, particularly with the team's lackluster start. "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate," Cassidy admitted. He also pointed out the lack of urgency that plagued the team once they fell behind: "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."
Mark Stone of the Golden Knights suggested that fatigue might be playing a role in the team's recent struggles, indicating that the squad will need to find a way to overcome this challenge if they hope to bounce back.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are preparing for their next challenges, with the Golden Knights set to face the Florida Panthers on January 4. They will be looking to correct their course and rekindle the competitive spirit that has eluded them in recent games. Meanwhile, the Kraken will host the Ottawa Senators on the same day, aiming to continue their impressive run and extend their point streak even further.
As the NHL season progresses, the Winter Classic will stand out as a highlight, especially for the Seattle Kraken and their fans. It was not just a game, but a moment etched in the annals of hockey history, thanks to Joey Daccord's unforgettable shutout performance.