A Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In an electrifying display of skill and poise, Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord etched his name into the NHL history books by securing a shutout against the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday. The Kraken's defensive prowess was on full display as they emerged victorious with a 3-0 win.
Daccord, who faced a barrage of 35 shots, remained unflappable throughout the contest, denying every attempt by the Golden Knights. His impeccable performance marked the first shutout in Winter Classic history and added a fifth outdoor game shutout to his growing list of accolades, including a notable shutout against the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023.
Beniers Praises Daccord's Consistency
The Kraken's center, Matty Beniers, lauded Daccord's consistent excellence between the pipes. "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, reflecting on Daccord's critical role in the team's success.
Daccord's heroics included several key saves against top-tier talent like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, further solidifying his status as a formidable last line of defense. His stellar performance ignited the crowd at T-Mobile Park, who chanted his name long after the final buzzer had sounded.
Tolvanen and Gourde Shine in Offensive Effort
While Daccord kept the net secure, forward Eeli Tolvanen made significant contributions to the Kraken's offense. Tolvanen found the back of the net early in the first period, redirecting a shot from teammate Vince Dunn, and later provided an assist for Will Borgen's second-period goal. Yanni Gourde rounded out the scoring with an early third-period goal, capitalizing on a stolen puck to cement the Kraken's lead.
The victory extended Seattle's impressive point streak to nine games, boasting a record of 7-0-2 during that span. This sustained run of form has been a testament to both the team's depth and their ability to perform under pressure.
Hakstol and Cassidy Reflect on the Game
Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol expressed pride in his team's performance and the significance of the event. "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 remarked, highlighting the unique experience of playing in such a storied venue.
On the other side, Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy did not hide his disappointment over his team's lackluster start and the subsequent outcome. "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 explained. He also acknowledged the team's need for improvement right from the opening faceoff: "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate."
Mark Stone of the Golden Knights suggested that fatigue might be a factor in the team's recent struggles, having lost five of their last six games. The Golden Knights will have an opportunity to rebound when they face the Florida Panthers on January 4.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are set to continue their campaigns following the Winter Classic showcase. The Kraken will host the Ottawa Senators on January 4, looking to extend their point streak and maintain their upward trajectory in the standings. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights aim to regroup and rediscover their form against the Panthers on the same day.
The stage is set for these teams to forge ahead in the season, but the memory of the 2024 NHL Winter Classic—and Joey Daccord's historic shutout—will undoubtedly resonate with fans and players alike for years to come.