In any movie, the main characters must overcome challenges before achieving success. Similarly, the Seattle Kraken triumphed over the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2024 NHL Winter Classic, winning 3-0 in front of 47,313 fans at T-Mobile Park. Although the Kraken have not received the same underdog characterization as their opponents, the team’s most prominent players have their own tales of adversity. Joey Daccord, the game’s MVP, was a seventh-round draft pick who rose to success after an unlikely NCAA career. He has become a key player for the Kraken, with a .919 save percentage for the year. Eeli Tolvanen, who scored the game-winning goal, was claimed on waivers by Seattle after a successful stint with the Nashville Predators. Despite the challenges they faced, the Kraken’s players overcame them to achieve victory in the Winter Classic.
On Monday, the 24-year-old Tolvanen earned his second assist on Will Borgen’s goal, bringing his total points in Seattle to 50 in 86 regular-season games and eight in the playoffs. This surpasses his point total in Nashville for his five seasons there. Borgen, a right-shooting defenseman, was claimed from the Buffalo Sabres in the 2021 expansion draft at age 24 and scored his first goal of the year on Monday. Seattle coach Dave Hakstol praised Borgen’s growth and potential. The game was played in T-Mobile Park, with ideal weather conditions and great ice quality. The Kraken players arrived in fisherman garb, and Yanni Gourde’s game-clinching goal highlighted the electric atmosphere of the game.
