Sheldon Keefe reveals how he feels about Matthew Knies' performance so far in the playoffs
It's not easy making the jump from the NCAA to the NHL, so when Matthew Knies signed his ELC and snuck into 3 games before the start of the playoffs and actually performed well under the circumstances, many were pleasantly surprised - including Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe.
While Knies did not make the active roster for the Leafs' playoff opener, it was not a reflection of how he played, but rather about giving him more time to become acclimated at practice. However, when Michael Bunting was suspended 3 games for a high hit on Bolts defenseman Erik Cernak, it expedited Knies' playoff debut. In the 2 games since Knies entered the lineup, the Leafs are 2-0 and Knies has not looked out of place.
In Game 3, Knies was actually on the ice for the Leafs in a 6-on-5 scenario, during which Ryan O'Reilly potted the game-tying goal. Keefe was asked about this decision following the Leafs' OT win. Here's what he had to say.
He was in the mix to play that late in the game because of the way he has played. He looks like a guy that can make a difference." - Keefe on trusting Knies in one of the most important situations in Game 3
Among the things that impressed Keefe the most about Knies in his short run with the team thus far is his work with the puck, his poise, his decision-making and his ability to make plays despite his lack of experience at the NHL level.
Some young guys come in and want to simplify or whatever maybe because they don't have the same ability. If they try to go outside of that, they are going to be exposed.
He has really put himself out there. He has made plays. He has made some mistakes, but we have veteran, established players who make mistakes, too. It is all part of it.
We have liked so much of what he has done � not just in the two playoff games, but what he has done in the playoffs carried over from what he showed in those three somewhat meaningless regular season games at the time. The fact that he has continued with it has been impressive." - Keefe on Knies' decision-making with the puck
Keefe was also presented with the idea that, just two months ago, Knies, along with his linemates, Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari, were not even Leafs. He was asked about whether or not he reflects on that and revealed that the thought hasn't really crossed his mind. The fit has been pretty seamless on all accounts with each of Knies, O'Reilly and Acciari fitting in very well on the team and with one another. Here's what Keefe had to say on his surprisingly effective third line:
It has been a good line for us. Like a lot of our other lines, they spent a lot of time in our end last night, but at the same time, it is a huge goal to get us going on the scoreboard early.
Knies got in behind when we didn't have a lot happening in the second period. He found a way to get in alone in behind their defense at the end of the second there. In moments like that, he looks like he is a guy that is going to make a play for us." - Keefe on a the Knies/O'Reilly/Acciari trio
The Buds are back in action tonight for Game 4 of their series with the Lightning, owning a 2-1 series lead and a chance to send Tampa to the brink of elimination heading back to Toronto with a win tonight. Hopefully Knies can continue to have a positive impact on the roster and perhaps even pot his first career playoff goal tonight. He has put himself in a pretty good spot, having earned the trust of his coach. It would be nice to see him get rewarded for his efforts tonight.
