Jack Nesbitt played the hero for the Windsor Spitfires, scoring the game-winning goal with just 2:22 remaining in the third period to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Blake Montgomery and the London Knights at the WFCU Center.
This win allowed the Spitfires to salvage a split in their home-and-home series with the Knights, who emerged victorious with a 4-2 win at Canada Life Place the previous day.
The Knights drew first blood in the opening period when Henry Brzustewicz, assisted by Jesse Nurmi, fired a shot past Spitfires goaltender Joey Costanzo at the 9:20 mark.
Windsor responded just before the midway point of the period, as Cole Davis capitalized on a 3-on-2 rush, burying a backhand shot to tie the game at 1-1.
Early in the second period, the Knights regained the lead. Montgomery, seizing on a Spitfires turnover, unleashed a wicked shot from the slot that sailed past Costanzo, with Will Nicholl picking up the lone assist. The goal marked Montgomery's seventh of the season in a Knights uniform, bringing his point total to 15 in 16 games.
The Spitfires refused to back down, and A.J. Spellacy, a prospect for the Chicago Blackhawks, leveled the score once again early in the third period. Spellacy showcased his speed and skill, flying down the right wing and snapping a shot past Knights netminder Sergei Medvedev to make it 2-2.
The stage was set for Nesbitt's late-game heroics. With time winding down, he found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and securing a hard-fought victory for the Spitfires.
