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Spencer Knight shines in Blackhawks debut

March 3, 2025

Mar 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight defends against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

It’s been a while since Blackhawks fans had something to be excited about, but the United Center crowd was fired up to see their new goaltender, Spencer Knight, on Monday night.

Knight, acquired Saturday for Seth Jones and a first-round pick, delivered, stopping 41 of 42 Los Angeles Kings shots in the Blackhawks’ 5-1 win, and was named the game’s first star.

“No matter how smooth things go, the first week is going to feel like chaos,” Knight said after the game. “I think I’ve learned to embrace that. It’s another step in the journey.”

Spencer Knight after his Blackhawks debut

“We didn’t make it easy on him,” Connor Murphy said. “It was a good thing he was warm going into that game, because we gave him two-on-0s and backdoors and everything. He stood tall.”

“Hopefully we can help him out a little more,” Colton Dach said. “He was unbelievable.”

Knight made several highlight reel saves, including a pair of spectacular stops in the first period.

Spencer Knight has 10 saves in the first 7 minutes. He's looking very sharp early on. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/RsD56cEaMW
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 4, 2025

“He just looked so composed back there,” Anders Sörensen said. “To be a young kid like he is…I thought he really showed some resilience. So composed.”

Knight was absolutely spectacular, and stole a game the Hawks had no business winning. This was a textbook “goalie win.” MoneyPuck.com’s Deserve-to-Win-O-Meter, calculates the game 1000 times. The Kings came out on top 74.5% of the time in those simulations.

Knight’s goals saved above expected score was a mind-boggling 3.15, meaning the Kings were expected to score 4.15 goals. Thanks to Knight’s outstanding performance, they scored one.

“I’m looking to bring what I witnessed and was part of in Florida and bring that here,” Knight said. “I don’t care if we’re in first place or last place or anywhere in between…we’re coming to the rink and playing to win every night. I’m here to build a championship winning team. Whether that’s a year…two years…five…I don’t know, but that’s what we’re working towards.”

Good start, kid.