Keefe explains the rationale behind his decision to scratch rookie winger Matthew Knies after excellent 3-game sample
Matthew Knies was, for all intents and purposes, excellent in his 3 game stint with the Maple Leafs to end the season. The transition to the NHL seemed almost effortless for the 20-year-old rookie. He was hard on the puck, effective along the boards and never looked out of place. He came within mere inches of scoring his first NHL goal in his 2nd game, instead collecting his first assist on Ryan O'Rielly's game winning goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Some fans were shocked and upset that when the Leafs' projected starting lineup was revealed for Game 1, Knies wasn't among the top 12 forwards. The Big 10 Player of the Year clearly convinced some members of Leafs Nation that he belongs in the lineup. This may simply be a case of new toy syndrome. Fans prefer seeing the promising rookie over the player that's frustrated them all season. He's looked good, but he hasn't even had a chance to settle into his new life as a NHLer yet. Sheldon Keefe seemed to share this sentiment when questioned about the Arizona native's absence.
Reading between the lines, it's easy to see where Keefe is coming from and what the plan is for Knies here. The Leafs would rather avoid having a player learning on the fly when the games mean the most. Knies is, however, a fantastic option to have available should someone fall to injury or if poor play warrants someone coming out of the lineup. I don't believe Knies will sit every game of this series, but I do believe that if having him in the lineup is the difference between beating the Lightning and going golfing early again, Keefe and the coaching staff will look at integrating him into the playoff picture.
The fact of the matter is that the Leafs' best players are going to have to be the difference-makers in this series. Their hopes can't lie with an untested rookie, no matter how good he's looked. Having said that, I am excited by the prospect of having Knies in the lineup at some point. The kid does look good!
| POLL | ||
16 AVRIL | 794 ANSWERS Keefe explains the rationale behind his decision to scratch rookie winger Matthew Knies after excellent 3-game sample How many game will Knies play in the playoffs? | ||
| 0 | 100 | 12.6 % |
| 2-3 | 342 | 43.1 % |
| 5-6 | 162 | 20.4 % |
| 7+ | 190 | 23.9 % |
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