Rinse & Repeat: Goalie Daccord Shines, Kraken Dispatch Caps 4-1

Seattle Win Streak Reaches Eight, Points Streak At 12

The Seattle Kraken ventured to the Nation's Capital Thursday for one of the most anticipated nights on the hockey calendar.

We speak, as if you didn't know, of "Sonny Milano Chia Pet Giveaway Night," honoring the bushy mane of the Washington Capitals winger.

The Kraken did all the growing once the puck dropped, with a 4-1 victory at Capital One Arena. Seattle's win streak grows to a franchise-tying eight, their points streak to a franchise-best 12 (10-0-2).

What else is growing is the legend of goalie Joey Daccord. Among his 25 saves, he found new ways to frustrate an opponent, force the league to take notice, and even amaze teammates. 

ROOT Sports TV caught backup Chris Driedger's reaction (left) to a Daccord "scorpion" save on Washington's Connor McMichael in the 1st period, a sequence detailed below.

Apropos of a Washington vs. Washington matchup, Everett's own T.J. Oshie slots back into the Caps lineup. He'd been sidelined since Dec. 16. However, due to renewed health among the Seattle forward corps, Spokane native Kailer Yamamoto will sit this one out.

The Capitals have the game's first five shots; two are Alex Ovechkin slappers saved by Kraken goalie Joey Daccord.

Two stops on the Great 8 is fine, but nothing compared to the acrobatics Daccord performs to twice foil Connor McMichael.

Justin Schultz, an ex-Cap, fans on a pass, leaving McMichael alone at the left post. Daccord sticks a pad out to save the first shot - while still prone, Daccord lifts his right leg to repel McMichael's rebound.

As has been the pattern so often during their hot streak, a did-you-see-that save soon turns into a Kraken goal. Tye Kartye makes it 1-0 Seattle with his 7th at 8:50. Noteworthy that the drop pass was made by Jared McCann, newly installed at center.

No doubt with a great appreciation for American history while in D.C., Alex Wennberg scores the Goal of 18:12.

Wennberg's 7th, and second in two games, gives the Kraken a 2-0 lead after 20 despite being outshot 11-6. Seattle's lead would have been greater except for ringing two shots off goalposts.

For once, Daccord can't get across in time.

It's okay to feel good for the goal scorer, Max Pacioretty, who suffered TWO torn Achilles tendons since the summer of 2022. He's only been back for four games, and scored his first goal since Jan. 10, 2023.

The goal closes the gap to 2-1 at 5:47. By the way, Max's full name is Maximillian Kolenda Pacioretty - and he was born in Connecticut.

So much for a new Cap. An old Cap, defenseman Justin Schultz, who earlier hit the post with a shot, restores the Seattle two-goal lead at 18:20. Check out the slick hands as Schultz pots his own rebound, and that he was behind the goal line when  he scored.

Eeli Tolvanen's assist gives him points in four consecutive games.

Shots were 10-9 Washington in the 2nd, 21-15 after 40, but it's Seattle with the 3-1 lead.

Seattle's Tomas Tatar raises his arms in celebration, except Washington goalie Darcy Kuemper made the save.

Defenseman Adam Larsson knocks a puck out of midair to break up a Capitals 2-on-1.

It takes 47 minutes before the game's first penalty, a Will Borgen trip sending the Caps to the power play.

I'm sorry, but this is more reading than I'm prepared to do at a hockey game.

Aided by a Daccord save on Oshie from the bumper position, and another on Ovechkin from his office, the Kraken kill the penalty. Speaking of apologies, Ovi has one for Brandon Tanev.

Whatever doubt remains about the outcome dissolves when Seattle gets its second goal of the night from a defenseman. Larsson, who broke up that 2-on-1, goes deep at the other end for a 4-1 lead at 12:02.

Tanev, by virtue of a sweet saucer pass, earns his second assist to go along with Ovechkin's apology.

Washington gets just five 3rd period shots, showing Seattle's defensive commitment against a team desperate to score. Only one of those shots came at even strength.

At the final horn, Joey Daccord polishes off yet another two-goal-or-less performance, and the Kraken rampage heads to Columbus for a Saturday tilt with the Blue Jackets.