Sheldon Keefe appears to have made a decision on whether or not to play Matthew Knies in Game 2
The Leafs are back at it tonight as they look to draw even with Tampa by taking Game 2. The team has already surrendered home ice advantage by dropping Game 1, but if the Buds can win tonight and then take one of Game 3 or 4 in Tampa, they'll reclaim home ice.
Yesterday's suspension to Michael Bunting has definitely thrown a wrench into the Leafs' plans. Missing a top-6 forward for the next 3 games will hurt and it will also force some lineup changes. The belief is that one of those changes will involve Matthew Knies drawing in for Game 2.
According to The Hockey News' Mikey Stephens, Knies did not take part in Thursday's game day skate, which usually means that a player will suit up for the game. Knies and Simmonds had been skating with the team as extras in grey jerseys prior to Game 1, and Knies was wearing a bottom-six white jersey yesterday at practice, so this checks out.
Knies may have just 3 NHL games under his belt, but he did not look out of place in any one of them. His size, speed and strength are an asset to the team, as is his nose for the net. In the playoffs, when things tighten up a bit more, teams have to play strong along the wall, which Knies does, and force their way to the net, which Knies also does.
Veteran forward Ryan O'Reilly is impressed by what he has seen with Knies in his limited time in Toronto. Following today's morning skate, O'Reilly spoke with the media about Knies' potential playoff debut. Here's the message he had for Knies.
This is a heck of an opportunity for the 20-year-old. The bar shouldn't be set too high, as this is his first playoff game, but Knies does possess all the tools to be successful in the playoffs. Hopefully he can make the most of it tonight - especially with his parents in the house.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 20 | 418 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe appears to have made a decision on whether or not to play Matthew Knies in Game 2 Will Knies record a point against Tampa tonight? | ||
| Yes | 293 | 70.1 % |
| No | 125 | 29.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
