Florida Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight delivered an outstanding performance, making 34 saves to secure his second shutout of the season in a commanding 3-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night. The win marked the opening game of a home-and-home series between the two teams.
Jesper Boqvist, Anton Lundell, and Gustav Forsling provided the offense for the Panthers, while the Ducks continued their struggles, dropping their third straight game and finishing 1-4-1 on their six-game road trip.
The game remained scoreless until midway through the second period when Jesper Boqvist broke through with his career-high 11th goal of the season. Anton Lundell extended the lead early in the third period with a crucial insurance goal, and Gustav Forsling sealed the victory with an empty-netter in the closing minutes.
Despite being without scoring leader Sam Reinhart, who was ejected in the first period for a kneeing major on Isac Lundestrom, the Panthers managed to generate plenty of scoring chances. They peppered Anaheim goaltender John Gibson with 45 shots, 42 of which Gibson turned aside in a valiant effort.
Spencer Knight was the star of the night, earning the fifth shutout of his career. His previous shutout came in a dominant 6-0 win over Carolina on November 30. Knight’s stellar play was crucial, particularly in the first period when the Ducks had several quality chances.
Knight also stepped up after coming in relief of Sergei Bobrovsky in a loss to Detroit earlier in the week, showing his resilience and poise between the pipes.
The Ducks’ offensive woes persisted, as they entered the game averaging an NHL-worst 2.42 goals per game. Saturday’s loss marked the third time they’ve been shut out on their road trip, a stretch that has further exposed their inability to generate consistent scoring opportunities.
Key injuries and missed opportunities plagued Anaheim, with Isac Lundestrom being the latest player to go down after Reinhart’s kneeing penalty in the first period. Lundestrom had to be helped off the ice and did not return.
The team’s inability to score remains a significant issue, exacerbated by their struggles on the power play (0 for 2 in the game). John Gibson was a bright spot, making 42 saves and keeping the Ducks competitive despite the lopsided shot totals.
Spencer Knight continues to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the NHL’s top young goaltenders. Florida’s depth scoring proved pivotal, as players like Boqvist and Lundell stepped up in Reinhart’s absence.
The turning point of the game came late in the first period when Sam Reinhart was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for kneeing Lundestrom. The Panthers killed off the ensuing Ducks power play, which energized Florida and shifted momentum in their favor.
Both teams struggled with the man advantage, going a combined 0 for 4 on the power play.
The Panthers and Ducks will face off again on Tuesday night, this time in Anaheim, as Florida looks to sweep the home-and-home series and Anaheim aims to snap its three-game skid.
With Knight in top form and the Panthers riding a wave of confidence, the rematch promises to be another compelling contest.