A Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In a remarkable display of skill and poise, Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord secured a 3-0 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights. This win at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic not only thrilled fans but also marked a significant milestone in the history of the event.
Daccord's performance was nothing short of stellar as he made 35 saves on Monday, ensuring the first shutout in a Winter Classic game. This achievement adds to his impressive record, being his fifth shutout in the NHL's outdoor games. His last came against the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023, signaling a pattern of excellence in high-stakes situations.
Teammate Praise and Fan Adoration
The Kraken's center, Matty Beniers, lauded Daccord's consistency and extraordinary saves. "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, encapsulating the awe that Daccord's performances inspire among his teammates.
After the game, the home crowd at T-Mobile Park expressed their appreciation for Daccord's heroics by chanting his name, a testament to the connection between the Seattle faithful and their star goaltender. Daccord himself acknowledged this support, saying, "It's truly the coolest thing in the world to have that support from them."
Offensive Contributions
While Daccord held the fort on the defensive end, Eeli Tolvanen shone offensively, scoring a goal and providing an assist. He set the tone early in the first period with a deft redirection of Vince Dunn's shot into the net. Will Borgen later capitalized on Tolvanen's assist to score in the second period, further extending the Kraken's lead.
Yanni Gourde's tenacity paid dividends early in the third period when he stole the puck and scored, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Golden Knights. This goal solidified the Kraken's dominance throughout the match and extended their point streak to nine games, with a record of 7-0-2 during this stretch.
Coaching Perspectives
Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol shared his thoughts on the victory and its significance, especially given the backdrop of the Winter Classic. "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 reflected, emphasizing the unique atmosphere of the outdoor game and its impact on both players and fans alike.
On the other side, Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy voiced his disappointment with the Golden Knights' start to 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 remarked, pointing out the recurring issue of slow starts that have plagued his team. Further expressing his discontent, Cassidy added, "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate."
Vegas captain Mark Stone offered another perspective, suggesting that fatigue might be contributing to the team's recent struggles. The Golden Knights will look to address these concerns as they prepare to face the Florida Panthers on January 4.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are set to return to the ice soon after their Winter Classic showdown. The Golden Knights aim to bounce back from their loss and overcome their recent form, which has seen them lose five of their last six games. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken will look to continue their impressive run when they host the Ottawa Senators, also on January 4.
As the NHL season progresses, the Seattle Kraken's formidable point streak and Daccord's historic shutout at the Winter Classic will stand out as highlights. For the Vegas Golden Knights, the search for consistency remains paramount as they strive to return to their winning ways. Both teams understand the stakes are high as the race for the playoffs intensifies with each passing game.