George Richards, FHN Publisher
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Just before the start of this new season, Florida Panthers goalie Spencer Knight talked about the difference between being part of a winning team as opposed to being the focal point of it.
Knight was talking about his Panthers winning the Stanley Cup last season — without him playing a game for them.
It was great being around the Florida Panthers, seeing how they approached their day and became champions.
But Knight wants to be the man, to be the guy on the ice with the game on the line. Right now, he has to take what he can get.
Tuesday was his kind of night.
“He’s the reason we won that game tonight,’’ coach Paul Maurice said after Knight made 35 saves including 15 in the third period to lead his Panthers to a 4-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“When you are a little kid, one thing you want to do when the game is on the line is make that big save,’’ Knight said. “But you have to let that come to you.’’
It was Knight’s first NHL win since Jan. 3, 2023 when he helped Florida beat the Arizona Coyotes in Sunrise.
A lot has happened since.
“I’m happy for him,’’ Maurice said, “because I know it hasn’t been easy for him.”
Spencer Knight spent all of last season playing in the minors with the AHL Charlotte Checkers, rejoining the Panthers when their season ended.
Knight took over as Florida’s No. 3 goalie for the playoffs, only as was the case throughout the season, they did not need him for game duty.
Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz stayed healthy throughout the season and Knight was able to stay planted in Charlotte and be the man there.
But, this year, Knight is back with the Panthers and Bobrovsky’s backup.
He made his first NHL start on Saturday night in Buffalo and things did not go well.
Knight was shaky at times — and the Panthers did not offer much help in front of him.
He took the blame of that loss on his shoulders.
“That loss starts with me, and ends with me. I think, really, the whole thing is on me,’’ Knight said. “The loss starts with me.’’
On Tuesday night in Columbus, Knight was much more composed — and the Panthers played a cleaner game in front of him although the ice was tilted toward the Blue Jackets.
Knight faced 16 shots in both the second and third periods.
“It was good, a good game and the guys came to battle,” Knight said. “One of the things I am learning as a pro, is, it’s a process. As much as you want to win the game in the first period, it does not work that way.
“You have to stick with it, go through the ins-and-outs and just keep going. It’s a long season and it is building, both the good and the bad. It’s a never ending process throughout your career.
“It was a good win by the team. The guys stuck with it. Sometimes, it does not matter how it looks. Just get the job done.”
The Panthers went right back to Knight following the loss in Buffalo — and that may have been to his benefit.
Knight certainly did not have a lot of time to dwell on what happened against the Sabres knowing that he had another start lined up just days later.
“That feels good, right? I love playing the game,” Knight said. “As much as you want to work on the game in practice, you love playing the game. It was really nice to get back in there. But whatever comes my way — whether it’s one week or two days — I have to be ready.’’
Tuesday night, he was just that.
“It took a year to get this right, and his first regular season game back wasn’t great,’’ Maurice said. “He is the reason we won that game, and on back-to-backs, we needed that, right? I am really happy for him because it was very hard. He made the right saves and it was a real good confidence builder not only for him, but for the players as well.
“It has been a long time since we have seen him. Now, all the guys are going to be excited when they see Knighter is going. He had a great training camp. But he needs to feel part of it, we want him to feel a part of it. But goalies have to win games. That was a big one for him tonight.’’