Goalie Spencer Knight (Florida Panthers) was pulled during the second period of the United States' 5-3 loss to Russia on Friday after allowing four goals on 12 shots in 32:15 of ice time, including the fourth goal when he left the crease to play the puck, shot it off the glass directly to a Russia player and couldn't get back into the net in time to prevent a goal.
Dustin Wolf (Calgary Flames) stopped all 11 shots he faced in relief, and could get the start against Austria on Saturday, but United States coach Nate Leaman wouldn't commit to a starting goalie, saying he needed to watch the game tape first.
Leaman, who coaches Providence College, said he's seen enough of Knight in his two seasons at Boston College to know that whether the goalie starts Saturday or not, he'll be a big part of any success the United States has during the tournament.
"I know Spencer from being in the same league (Hockey East) that he is in and I think he's going to be fine in the tournament," Leaman said. "He's an outstanding goalie. I'm sure he would have liked to have that last one back. I also know he's a good leader. I've seen him have a bad game before on tape in the league and then come in and shut a team out. ... I don't have any doubts about Spencer bouncing back."
