Kraken seize the moment, New Year’s Day in Winter Classic triumph

Once a year, the National Hockey League’s hand-picked site, the greatest spectacle of the middle of the season, brings the entire spotlight and attention to one city. There is a game to be played, and a legendary moment to be made.  

On New Year’s Day 2024, the Seattle Kraken checked off every box in a convincing 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in the Winter Classic, the first of its kind ever on the west coast, before a sellout crowd of 47,313 fans at T-Mobile Park on Monday.  

The noise the Kraken made spawned from foreshadowing even before the puck drop. Both teams entered the boisterous, sold out ballpark to live music from Sir Mix-A-Lot. Choreographed fire and fish tosses enveloped the Kraken entrance on a makeshift boat pier stage, followed by a Jimi Hendrix-esqe “Star Spangled Banner” performance from 14-year-old guitarist Nikhil Bagga.  

“It just was electric,” said defenseman Will Borgen, who said the anthem was his favorite.  

The Kraken then played as loud as a rock guitar solo for the rest of the day. Yanni Gourde’s line played a substantial role: he scored a third period dagger to turn the remainder of the game into a coronation, while Eeli Tolvanen scored the game’s first goal on the one-year anniversary of his Kraken debut, continuing a career-changing span for the 24-year-old forward. Will Borgen pounded in a second period goal, a slapshot that beat Logan Thompson over his short side blocker.  

But the final horn belonged to Joey Daccord, Winter Classic MVP< smudged in eye black like his sports idol Tom Brady, capping his second career shutout (and the first in the event’s history) with 35 saves. His biggest was a ten-bell, highlight reel glove stop on Jack Eichel in the final minutes to seal the victory.  

“It’s special,” said Tolvanen of Daccord’s performance.  

“(Philipp Grubauer) got hurt, and we knew someone had to step up. Joey did that. He has given us a chance every night to play for the win. Every time he’s in net, I feel we have a chance to win.”  

For a ballpark that could fit nearly 48,000, this was about making sure loved ones were close by. Families from multiple parts of the globe, including Sweden and Finland, made it in.  

“I just think it’s just a cool experience for all of the families,” said Tolvanen. 

ONE BIG TAKE:  

The Kraken shared the Seattle sports stage on New Year’s Day with the Washington Huskies, who won the Sugar Bowl hours after the Winter Classic ended to reach the National Championship. As a town that captures the envy of cities nationwide for its geographic scenery, metropolitan economy, and robust sports scene, they didn’t witness a win in a high-stakes game as large as the Huskies. 

Who cares? This was still a big game that will resonate for a long time. The NHL effectively told Seattle “We love you” by granting the stage to this town in just the third season of existence for the Kraken. A sold-out ballpark, the scene of the Emerald City, and a dominant Kraken win to get to within one point of the final wild card spot, on a nine-game unbeaten streak in regulation, were on full display for all the world to see. 

About everything that could have gone right, did go right. 

It was clear that all the pomp and circumstance played to the Kraken advantage, who came out with energy, an abrasive edge, and a first period lead. That tends to bode well for the home team in outdoor games, now with a 15-6 record with a first intermission lead. 

They outhit an imposing Vegas team, 27-17. Tolvanen led the way with four hits. Borgen had three. 

“Lately we’ve been playing Kraken hockey,” said Borgen. 

Daccord was masterful again, further entrenching him into a high-profile goaltending role. He is 6-0-2 in the last eight appearances. 

“One of the coolest days of my whole life,” said Daccord.