Knight Leads Panthers in Shutout Win Over Ducks

SUNRISE, Fla. — There was a brick wall in the crease on Saturday at Amerant Bank Arena, his name is Spencer Knight. 

Knight backstopped the Florida Panthers to a 3-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks as he tied his career-high with two shutouts on the season.

Jesper Boqvist had the game winning goal midway through the second, as he set a career-high with 11 goals on the season. 

Anton Lundell and Gustav Forsling also scored as the Panthers improved to 27-17-3 on the season.

The Panthers sit one point behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for first place in the Atlantic Division.

Here’s tonight’s takeaways. 

Jesper Boqvist sets career-high in goals

There hasn’t been a debate on who the Panthers’ hidden gem has been this season, nor should there be, it’s Jesper Boqvist. 

Boqvist, 26, set a new career-high for goals in a season on Saturday, picking up his 11th on the year.

With the game still scoreless, Boqvist beat Ducks goaltender John Gibson shortside to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead 11:22 into the second period. 

“Good opportunity to play with good players and a good team,” Boqvist said when asked about his career-high. “I try to work hard and have my stick on the ice and people will find it.”

The Swedish forward has continued to climb his way up the lineup since the start of training camp, rising from near the bottom of the depth chart up into the Panthers’ top-nine. 

“He’s been great, I’ve really enjoyed playing with him,” Anton Lundell said of Boqvist. “[Jesper’s] a great add to the team, in the locker room and on the ice as well… he’ss been a huge impact for sure.”

Reinhart ejected from game, Isac Lunderstrom does not return

The Panthers lost their top goal scorer Sam Reinhart 15:16 into the first period after he was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for a hit on Ducks forward Isac Lundestrom.

Lundestrom did not return to the game after taking the leg-on-leg hit from Reinhart. 

In Florida’s last game against the Detroit Red Wings, the penalty kill had a disastrous night,  conceding three power play goals on just four shots in a 5-2 loss. 

Down one of their top penalty killers and a five minute Ducks power play on the horizon, the Panthers had to lock in on the kill to prevent a repeat of Thursday night’s loss to the Red Wings. 

The Panthers succeeded in killing off the major-penalty unscathed and were a perfect 2/2 on the night while short handed. 

“Our kill – which we’ve struggled with – was really strong tonight,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. “When you lose your leading scorer, then you’re into a grinder. [The Ducks] play tight games…It was a harder game than the standings would tell you, but I think we knew that going in. Happy with the kill. Happy for Spencer. Couple of timely goals for us.”

Knight gets shutout, assist in win

23-year-old Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight stopped all 34 shots he faced en route to his third consecutive win and second shutout of the season.

In 16 starts, Knight is 9-6-1 with a 2.45 GAA and a .904 save percentage.

With the Panthers leading 2-0 late on Saturday, Knight nearly capped off a phenomenal performance with a goalie goal after he attempted a shot at the Ducks empty net.

His scoring effort wasn’t bad, however it came up short as the puck reached only the neutral zone.

Knight did end up getting a primary assist on Gustav Forsling’s eventual empty netter.

“Yeah… I tried,” Knight said on his empty net attempt. “I’ll take the assist, though. Good to get the guys some points.”

With the point on Saturday, Knight now has two assists on the season, a new career-high.

Panthers Notes

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad (undisclosed) missed his fifth consecutive game.

Sam Bennett’s goalless streak extended to 20 games on Saturday. He last scored on Dec. 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Panthers will be on the road for the next four games for a California and Las Vegas road trip.