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.
The huge save that helped seal the shutout for Joey Daccord (@JDac35)! 🙅♂️ #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/fQBLxiw31R
— NHL (@NHL) January 1, 2024