Matthew Knies reacts to Sheldon Keefe's comments about keeping him in the playoff lineup
For Matthew Knies, his quick rise to playoff relevancy must be surprising even to himself. The NCAA standout made it into just 3 regular season games for the Leafs before the playoffs began and, as we all know, the playoffs are a whole different animal.
Knies spent the first game of the Leafs/Lightning series in the press box as a healthy scratch, holding down the 13th forward spot to start the playoffs. However, a Michael Bunting suspension expedited the rookie forward's arrival on the Leafs' playoff roster, as Knies suited up for Game 2 and did not look out of place. In fact, he looked surprisingly solid for a young and inexperienced pro.
It might surprise you to learn that the Leafs are now 6-0-0 in games where Knies has played for them, split between the regular season and the playoffs. While they're certainly not going to go 13-0 from here on out, it's certainly worth mentioning that Knies' presence in the lineup has had only positive effects on the team and the results are showing.
Knies has now been on the ice for the Leafs' game-tying goal in the final minute of regulation in Game 3, the OT winner in Game 3 and the OT winner in Game 4. Is that just some random coincidence? Maybe, but Sheldon Keefe is not taking any chances and pulling him out of the lineup anytime soon.
With Michael Bunting set to return to the lineup for Game 5, Sheldon Keefe went on the record on Tuesday and confirmed that he would not be removing Knies from the lineup. Keefe believes that Knies has earned his spot and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who would disagree with him.
As far as Knies himself goes, that vote of confidence from his head coach has him feeling appreciated and should only fuel him to play even harder. Knies had a chance to speak with the media on Tuesday, despite the Leafs not holding a formal practice. He expressed how pleased he was to have the trust of his coach and promised to keep the ball rolling and build off of his early momentum.
Knies has already registered his first career playoff point - an assist in Game 3 - but has yet to find the back of the net. He was also a hero of sorts in Game 4, as he had pulled a puck right off the goal line in a net-front scramble, which eventually allowed the Leafs to come back and win Game 4 by a score of 5-4 in OT. Not only have his impacts been noticeable, they've been crucial to the success of his team through 4 games so far in the series.
The Leafs own a 3-1 series lead over the Lightning and will have a chance to close out the series at home tomorrow evening at Scotiabank Arena in Game 5.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 26 | 514 ANSWERS Matthew Knies reacts to Sheldon Keefe's comments about keeping him in the playoff lineup Will Matthew Knies get his first career playoff goal in Game 5? | ||
| Yes | 409 | 79.6 % |
| No | 105 | 20.4 % |
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