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Windsor Spitfires Claim Victory Over London Knights with Late Goal
In a thrilling matchup on December 14, 2024, the Windsor Spitfires emerged victorious with a 3-2 win against the London Knights at the WFCU Centre. Jack Nesbitt scored the decisive goal with just 2:22 left in the third period, marking Windsor’s first lead of the night.
This win allowed the Spitfires to split the home-and-home series, following a 4-2 defeat at Canada Life Place the previous night.
Goaltender Alexei Medvedev stood out in the game, making an impressive 39 saves and earning the title of the game’s first star. His performance was crucial, especially after allowing an early goal from the Knights.
The game’s scoring opened at 9:20 of the first period when Jesse Nurmi assisted Henry Brzustewicz, who found the back of the net against Windsor’s Joey Costanzo. However, the Spitfires equalized at 14:32 with Cole Davis’s backhand goal during a three-on-two rush.
Throughout the first period, Medvedev was kept busy, making 16 saves. In the second period, the Knights regained their lead early on when Blake Montgomery scored from the slot, capitalizing on a turnover with an assist from Will Nicholl.
Game Highlights and Player Performances
As the game progressed, Nicholl, having accumulated 31 points in 30 games this season, and Montgomery, with 15 points in 16 games, demonstrated their offensive capabilities.
In goal, Medvedev continued to showcase his skills, thwarting numerous attempts from the Knights, including a remarkable save against Ryan Abraham late in the second period.
The momentum shifted again in the third period when A.J. Spellacy equalized just 1:40 in, scoring with a high shot after rushing down the right wing.
With the score tied at 2-2, tension built as the game went into its final minutes. After a missed opportunity by Liam Greentree in front of the Knights’ net, Nesbitt capitalized on the situation to score the game-winning goal.
Windsor dominated the shot count, outshooting London 42-15 over the course of the game. Special teams played a minor role as well, with the Knights failing to convert on their lone power play opportunity, while the Spitfires went scoreless in their three attempts.
International Representation for Knights Players
In related news, the roster for the upcoming 2025 World Junior Hockey Championship is taking shape, with two Knights forwards, Kasper Halttunen and Jesse Nurmi, selected to represent Finland. Both players are looking to contribute significantly as Finland aims to return to medal contention after two years of missed opportunities. Halttunen is returning from last year’s tournament, while Nurmi distinguished himself as the top scorer at the World Junior Summer Showcase.
Looking Ahead
The Knights will be back on home ice for their next contest against the Kitchener Rangers at 4 p.m. on December 15, 2024. Both Kitchener and London are currently positioned as the top two teams in the Ontario Hockey League standings.
The Knights previously faced the Rangers earlier in the season, securing a 3-1 victory at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on November 19. Fans can find ticket information on the London Knights website. The game will be broadcast beginning at 3:30 p.m. on 980 CFPL, available on 980 CFPL as well as through the iHeart Radio and Radioplayer Canada apps.
Source
globalnews.ca