Jared McCann, who scored the game-winning goal with 3.8 seconds left in overtime Saturday, was named first star of the Seattle Kraken’s 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. McCann’s heroics before a delirious Climate Pledge Arena sellout also marked his 400th NHL point.
Matty Beniers, who assisted on McCann’s goal and earlier scored a power play marker of his own, was named second star. Kraken goalie Joey Daccord was relegated to third star.
Joey wuz robbed.
Here’s why. The Kraken never would have made it to overtime without Daccord’s stellar netminding. He stopped 23 of 24 shots in regulation (plus three more in OT). Many of those shots were grade-A chances, by a potent Vegas attack that registered nine goals in its first two outings. Not to mention their newest shiny object, sign-and-trade prize Mitch Marner.
At the other end, Vegas netminder Adin Hill was required to face just 15 Seattle shots in regulation, just six in the 2nd and 3rd periods combined. Most weren’t of the same danger Daccord was facing.
According to Moneypuck.com, Daccord stopped 1.42 goals above expected against Vegas. That’s after stopping 1.75 goals above expected (35 saves) in the Kraken’s season-opening 3-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.
There’s more. Through two games, the 29-year-old Boston native has a goals-against average of 0.96 and a save percentage of .968. Including his two pre-season wins, Daccord has saved 109 of 113 SOG. This is working behind Kraken skaters deemed by experts far and wide to be among the worst collections in the league (though a re-think might soon be in order).
Frantic Final 15 Seconds
While Daccord got the Kraken to overtime, Beniers and McCann produced the buzzer-beating thrills. To start the final overtime sequence, Beniers won a draw – the last of his 59% success rate at the dot. Getting a return pass from Vince Dunn (two assists), Beniers fired an expertly placed shot on Hill – high and hard enough that the goalie could neither catch it, nor direct it out of harm’s way.
Meanwhile, McCann had established inside position on Marner at the top of the crease. Despite a cross-check into his back from the goalie, and a hook and trip by Marner, McCann while falling powered Beniers’ rebound past Hill to give the Kraken their first-ever two-game winning streak to start a season.
“To win against them is huge for our confidence,” McCann said after the game. Speaking about the low score, he added, “It’s kind of boring hockey. I know a lot of people don’t really like that, but that’s how you’ve got to win games.”
No Kraken fans leaving Climate Pledge Arena on Saturday were likely to request a refund.
Earlier Kraken:
— D-Man Brandon Montour Proves Worth In Kraken’s Opening Win
