Since landing in Toronto, you wouldn't have to look too hard to find evidence of how much the Leafs value Ryan O'Reilly and his veteran leadership. Not only is Knies nearly a point per game as a Leaf, but he is often the first player on the ice for practice and the last player off the ice.
Not only has O'Reilly fit in seamlessly with the Leafs, but he really seems to have his finger on the pulse in the locker room. His teammates value him and he really seems to value his teammates. At this point, it doesn't feel like a question of whether or not O'Reilly returns to Toronto next season, but just how much it will cost the Leafs.
O'Reilly and his teammates are preparing for an all-important Game 3 tonight in Florida, and now they have something to rally for, aside from their playoff lives. The injury to rookie Matthew Knies was a tough one for the Buds in Game 2. O'Reilly address the loss of Knies to an unfortunate concussion on Sunday following the team's morning skate in Florida.
We have yet to see the Leafs seek retribution on Sam Bennett, who injured Knies, but yesterday, another veteran on the team in Luke Schenn commented on the need for a response. He basically said "we'll see" with regard to what the response to the dirty play will be. Perhaps the best way to get even though would be to take Games 3 and 4 and to go on and beat the Panthers in 6 or 7 games. Tonight should be a good one and I'm sure if O'Reilly has anything to say about it, the Leafs will have the last laugh.
