A Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
The Seattle Kraken's goalie Joey Daccord delivered an exceptional performance, recording a historic shutout against the Vegas Golden Knights with a 3-0 victory at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday. Daccord's remarkable 35 saves not only secured the win for his team but also marked the first shutout in the history of the Winter Classic series.
Daccord's Outdoor Game Mastery
This shutout adds to Daccord's impressive record in the NHL's outdoor games, being his fifth. His skill between the pipes was previously showcased when he blanked the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023. Daccord's consistency and agility have made him a formidable presence in goal, much to the delight of Kraken fans and the chagrin of opposing teams.
Teammates and Fans Laud Daccord's Performance
Seattle center Matty Beniers praised Daccord's reliability and extraordinary saves, 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." The fans echoed this sentiment, chanting Daccord's name at T-Mobile Park after the game, celebrating their goalie's standout performance.
Daccord himself expressed his gratitude for the support, stating, "It's truly the coolest thing in the world to have that support from them," reflecting the strong bond between the team and its supporters.
Scoring Highlights
On the offensive end, Eeli Tolvanen contributed significantly to the Kraken's success, scoring a goal and assisting another. Tolvanen deftly redirected a shot from Vince Dunn to find the back of the net early in the first period, setting the tone for the game. Will Borgen capitalized on Tolvanen's assist in the second period, further extending the lead. Yanni Gourde's steal and subsequent score early in the third period sealed the deal for the Kraken, showcasing their aggressive and opportunistic play style.
The victory continued Seattle's impressive run, extending their point streak to nine games (7-0-2), a testament to the team's resilience and tenacity.
Coaches Reflect on the Game
Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol commented on the victory and the significance of the event, saying, "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." The triumph in such a landmark game indeed cements the day in the memories of the players and fans alike.
Conversely, the Vegas Golden Knights' coach Bruce Cassidy expressed disappointment in his team's performance, particularly in the early stages of the game. "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," pointing to a need for a stronger start from his team.
Vegas captain Mark Stone suggested that fatigue might be playing a role in the Golden Knights' recent struggles, as the team lost their fifth game in six attempts. Identifying and addressing the underlying issues will be crucial for Vegas as they look to bounce back in their upcoming games.
Looking Ahead
The Golden Knights are set to face off against the Florida Panthers on January 4, aiming to reverse their fortunes and climb back up the standings. Meanwhile, the Kraken will host the Ottawa Senators on the same day, looking to extend their point streak and solidify their position in the league.
As teams prepare for their next challenges, the Kraken can revel in their historic Winter Classic victory, and Joey Daccord can add another memorable chapter to his burgeoning legacy as one of the NHL's elite goaltenders.