Spencer Knight made his Chicago Blackhawks debut Monday in the team’s 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
THE THREE P’s OF GOALTENDING
Poise – Knight showed great poise throughout most of the game. He tracked the puck on cross ice passes, rebound opportunities and did not make errant passes from behind the net. Knight kept an eye on happenings around him, teammate positioning, and help when the puck was behind the net.
Patience – Poise and patience go hand-in-hand. Moving around the crease in an anticipatory way causes issues for a goaltender, allowing careless plays with the puck. Knight not reacting to expected shots and staying with the puck helped him not get bested more than once on 42 shots.
Positioning – With the Blackhawks back-check allowing clean zone breaks, Knight stayed with the puck, slid from post to post cleanly, and was on top of all of the rebounds, errant shots, and redirections that came his way. The only time Knight had missed a save on 42 shots faced, was on Anze Kopitar‘s break into the offensive zone where he was in the slot alone with a lane directly onto Knight after nine registered shots.
SETTLED INTO HIS MAURINGS
In one of the most historic hockey cities in the United States, Chicago could be overbearing for visiting players, but Knight told Darren Pang on CHSN in a postgame interview that he loved the city, and the love had been reciprocated after he was named the night’s number one star.
Knight saved 17 of 18 in the first period. During his last win with the Florida Panthers, Knight saved 17 in a one goal appearance.
HAS THE DARK KNIGHT RISEN?
The third and final takeaway… is Knight’s command and comfortability in the net.
From the mixture of the above, to the neverending smile, it appears the fresh start may be best case scenario.
Obviously, locker room chemistry is boosted with a debut win and helps when you enter with the mentality of “we want to win hockey games.”
Cementing yourself as someone there to be there and to help the organization, not just to bolster your NHL career.
Knight’s overall performance showed the time he spent behind Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida beneficial to his career growth.
Learning from a vezina winner, winning a Stanley Cup, and making deep playoff runs creates a veteran and beneficial presence.
Knight’s debut win is the boost the Blackhawks need on the season.
With just over two days before the trade deadline, Knight’s start to his Hawks tenure can be exactly what is needed to avoid a last place in the division finish, with room to grow and flourish before the questions of next season arise.
HM – a goalie goal attempt… up by three… in a debut with your new team… is a bold move and is respectable.
The Blackhawks are back on the ice Wednesday for game two of three at the United Center against the Ottawa Senators.
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