The Seattle Kraken played a well balanced, disciplined game, scoring one goal in each period, and defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 to win the 2024 NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park. Joey Daccord pulled off the first shut-out in Winter Classic history and the second of his career. He made 35 saves.
1st Period
Kraken winger Tye Kartye had the first decent scoring chance about 90-seconds into the game as the teams got adjusted to the light and depth perception while playing outdoors at full speed.
The Kraken forecheck created early havoc for the Golden Knights. A series of turnovers led to Vince Dunn’s wrist shot from the point being tipped in by Eeli Tolvanen for a 1-0 Seattle lead at 4:50. The Finn was all alone in front.
The goal had roughly 48,000 Kraken fans chanting along with the club’s goal song, “Lithium” by Nirvana.
Both goalies, Logan Thompson for Vegas and Joey Daccord for Seattle, made big saves as time wound down.
2nd Period
The game opened up a bit. The Kraken would add to their lead when D-man Will Borgen unloaded a slapper on a rebound from the top of the right wing circle. The puck was on edge and knuckled at high speed off Thompson’s blocker and in. He didn’t have much of a chance.
3rd Period
The Kraken finished their balanced attack with a classic Yanni Gourde goal, from a player who desperately needed one, The pesky third-line center stole a puck from Vegas forward Paul Cotter in the Golden Knight zone, skated in and converted on his own rebound at the 2:10 mark. It was the fifth goal of the season for the 32-year-old, two-time Stanley Cup winner, and his first since November 22nd against the San Jose Sharks.
For good measure, Daccord robbed Jack Eichel late with a beautiful glove save.
Shots on goal finished 35-27 in favor of the Golden Knights. Power plays: Vegas 0-for-1 , Seattle 0-for-2.
Kraken 3 Stars:
1) Joey Daccord – The rookie shined again. His second shut-out of the season, with 35 saves, comes on a huge stage.
2) Eeli Tolvanen – Game winning goal and an assist. Plus-2, 4 hits, 2 shots-on-goal.
3) Yanni Gourde – Scored the huge insurance goal early in the 3rd period. Plus-2 with 5 shots on goal.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Goalie Daccord Takes Center Stage At Winter Classic
