The Seattle Kraken delighted fans with a 3-0 win over the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Monday during the Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners.
The Bettman circuit has gone to great lengths to prepare the table for the matchup between the final two teams to join the National Hockey League (NHL).
The Kraken arrived at the Winter Classic wearing orange jumpsuits and hats, with each player holding a fake fish. The goal was to pay homage to the Pike Place Fish Market. For their part, the Las Vegas players have adopted the style of Elvis Presley.
Okay, close the door
The Golden Knights failed to honor the “King” on the ice. Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord faced 35 pucks and recorded his second shutout of the season. This is the first shutout at a Winter Classic.
With just over two minutes left in the game, Daccord also closed the door by pulling out his mitt to frustrate Jack Eichel.
Despite the visitors' performance, Seattle clearly didn't want their fans to be in the spotlight. Eeli Tolvanen skillfully blocked Vince Dunn's shot in the first half and scored his tenth goal of the season.
Early in the second period, Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson was generous with William Borgen. The Kraken defender took advantage of the opportunity and scored his first goal of the season with a slap shot.
Then, in the third period, Yanni Gourde ended a streak of 16 games without a goal. The Quebecer took the puck from Paul Cotter, stood alone in front of Thompson and beat him with a low shot.
“Thank you very much for showing up in large numbers, you gave us energy,” said Gourde after the game to the around 47,000 spectators in attendance. We struggled at the start of the season but we found a way to get through it. The last few games have been fun for us.”
“Joey Daccord has worked a lot for us,” he added. He has so much confidence in his abilities. The way he was, he deserves a standing ovation.”
The Kraken secured their fifth win in a row.
SUMMARY
THIRD PERIOD
8:00 p.m. – End of the meeting.
19:54 – Alex Pietrangelo receives a penalty. The Kraken will become a numerical advantage.
12:10 – Brayden McNabb receives a penalty. The Kraken will become a numerical advantage.
02:10 – GOAL SEA 3-0 Yanni Gourde causes a loss of the ball and scores. His fifth goal of the season gives Seattle a three-goal lead.
00:00- Start of period.
SECOND PERIOD
8:00 p.m.- End of period.
16:39 – Adam Larsson receives a penalty. The Golden Knights will play on the power play.
02:19 – SEA GOAL 2-0 Will Borgen throws back and beats Logan Thompson. His first goal of the season gave Seattle a two-goal lead.
00:00 – Start of period.
FIRST PERIOD
8:00 p.m. – End of period.
04:50 – GOAL SEA 1-0 Eeli Tolvanen skillfully directs Vince Dunn's shot into the goal. His tenth goal of the season gave Seattle its first goal.
00:00 – Start of the game.
In front of the net
Logan Thompson Record: 11-6-3 / Goals Against Average: 2.80 / Efficiency Rate: 90.2%
Joey Daccord Record: 8-5-8 / Goals Allowed Average: 2.46 / Efficiency Rate: 91.5%