Leafs' Matthew Knies Shares Unexpected Point of View on Controversial Zach Whitecloud Hit
Following Maple Leafs practice on Friday, Matthew Knies spoke publicly for the first time about the hit from Zach Whitecloud that injured him.
Midway through the second period of the Leafs' win over the Vegas Golden Knights last week, Knies was on the receiving end of a massive, questionable hit from Golden Knights defenceman Zach Whitecloud.
The hit caught Knies by surprise, stunning him and forcing him to collect himself on the ice momentarily before attempting to sturdy himself with the boards while getting onto the Leafs' bench.
There was no penalty or supplemental discipline handed out to Whitecloud for the hit and Knies was forced to miss the next week of action.
Although he returned to practice earlier this week, it wasn't until Wednesday when Knies re-joined his teammates without a non-contact jersey.
Following his second full practice on Friday, Knies spoke to the media about the hit, taking a surprising stance on it.
Kudos to Knies for taking the high road here. There weren't a lot of people who were too fond of the hit due to the amount of head contact. However, Knies is doing the mature thing here and just letting sleeping dogs lie, and putting the focus where it needs to be; on his imminent return to action.
In the midst of a breakout campaign, the former second-round pick has 8 goals and 12 points in 20 games for the Leafs this season.
Knies is expected to return on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning and will provide the Leafs with some much-needed relief at forward amid a slew of injuries up front.
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