Three Unforgettable Moments in Seattle Kraken History

In a season that hasn’t started as planned, it’s the perfect time to look back and remind ourselves of the moments that made Seattle fall in love with the Kraken. Here’s a look at three unforgettable moments in Kraken history that defined this team and made them so special to the fans.

2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken
2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken / Steph Chambers/GettyImages
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1. Joey Daccord’s Winter Classic Shutout (2023)

The 2023 Winter Classic was a pivotal moment for the Seattle Kraken. Coming off a strong playoff debut in just their second season, Seattle was ready to make a statement on one of hockey’s biggest stages. Matched against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, the Kraken entered this outdoor showcase on a high note, having turned around a rough season with a four-game win streak.

From the moment they stepped onto the ice—accompanied by Sir Mix-A-Lot performing “Jump on It” and fisherman tossed pike fish across players faces as they headed to the ice—the Kraken electrified the crowd of 47,000. The energy was infectious, and Seattle capitalized early when Eeli Tolvanen redirected a shot from Vince Dunn just minutes into the game to send the fans into a frenzy.

But the real story of the night was goaltender Joey Daccord, who put on a clinic in net. Daccord faced an onslaught of 35 shots from Vegas, turning them away time after time. Late in the third period, with Vegas pressuring hard and their goalie pulled for an extra attacker, Daccord came up with a heroic glove save on a rocket from Jack Eichel, sealing his shutout and Seattle’s 3-0 victory. This wasn’t just any shutout—it was the first shutout in Winter Classic history, and it was the kind of performance that can only be described as legendary. Fueled by this victory, the Kraken went on to notch a franchise-record nine-game winning streak shortly afterward.

Buffalo Sabres v Seattle Kraken
Buffalo Sabres v Seattle Kraken / Steph Chambers/GettyImages

2. Jordan Eberle’s First Hat Trick for the Kraken (2021)

It didn’t take long for Seattle to get its first taste of hat-trick magic. Just 11 games into the Kraken’s inaugural season, on November 4, 2021, Jordan Eberle made history with the franchise’s first-ever hat trick against the Buffalo Sabres. The Kraken were off to a rocky start at 3-6-1, and fans at Climate Pledge Arena were eager for a memorable moment to rally behind. Eberle delivered, giving fans one of the early highlights of the season and setting a new milestone in Kraken history.

The game started with Buffalo in control, with the Sabres pulling ahead 2-1 late into the second period. But with just under two minutes left in the period, Eberle unleashed a laser shot, dropping to one knee right in front of the net and beating the Sabres goalie to tie the game. The crowd erupted, sensing that something special was happening.

As the third period began, Eberle kept up the momentum, scoring just two minutes in to put Seattle ahead. The fans, already on their feet, could feel the anticipation building. Then, midway through the third period, Eberle broke away from Buffalo’s defense and slipped a shot past the Sabres goaltender, completing the natural hat trick with three unanswered goals. The arena exploded, and fans rained hats down onto the ice, celebrating the first hat trick in Kraken history. Seattle ultimately won the game 5-2.

Vancouver Canucks v Seattle Kraken
Vancouver Canucks v Seattle Kraken / Steph Chambers/GettyImages

3. The “Turbo” Fight: Brandon Tanev vs. Conor Garland (2024)

Hockey is a sport that celebrates skill, speed, and goals—but it’s also about grit, physicality, and passion. Few players embody the spirit of "reckless abandon" quite like Brandon “Turbo” Tanev. Known for his high-energy play and fearless attitude, Tanev has become a fan favorite, showing he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to defend his teammates and stand up for the Kraken.

One of the most memorable displays of Tanev’s toughness came in a late-season game against the Vancouver Canucks, one of Seattle's fiercest rivals. The Kraken and Canucks have a history of rough matchups, with twice as many brawls between them as against any other team. So, when Conor Garland tried to test his mettle against Tanev, fans knew they were in for something special.

Though Garland managed to land the first punch, Tanev responded with a brutal flurry of uppercuts, overpowering Garland in one of the most one-sided fights in Kraken history. Garland was left reeling, surely regretting his decision to square off with “Turbo.” This fight became an instant classic, and it underscored why Tanev is a player fans can’t help but love: he’s willing to do whatever it takes for his team, no matter the odds.

As we navigate the ups and downs of this season, these moments remind us why we love this team. The Kraken are building something special, and we’re just getting started. Stay tuned for more historical highlights and behind-the-scenes stories as we continue diving into the unforgettable moments that have shaped this young franchise.

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