Toronto Maple Leafs Rookie Likely To Make Playoff Debut In Game Two
He supplied some glimpses of his immense talent in a three-game NHL trial at the end of the regular season. Now freshly-signed Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Matthew Knies appears to be on the verge of making his Stanley Cup Playoff debut.
Matthew Knies is in a regular sweater at #leafs practice -- a pretty good sign he'll draw into the Game 2 lineup with Michael Bunting likely to be suspended.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 19, 2023
Knies would be the recipient of an upcoming opening in the Maple Leafs' lineup, courtesy of the head hit delivered by Michael Bunting in Game One, with the likelihood that the 1st-line winger will be suspended for Game Two.
Matthew Knies is “super stoked.” Says it’s every kid’s dream to play in the playoffs.
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) April 19, 2023
In true, 20-year-old fresh-faced rookie fashion, Knies says “I’d be super-stoked. It’s every kid’s dream to play for the Stanley Cup.”
The new Leafs lines were unveiled at practice Wednesday morning, the day after a disheartening and concerning 7-3 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game One. And they feature Knies playing on a 3rd line with veteran Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari.
Sheldon Keefe tweaking top three lines this morning in anticipation of a Bunting suspension:
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) April 19, 2023
Järnkrok – Matthews – Marner
Kerfoot – Tavares – Nylander
Knies – O'Reilly – Acciari
Aston-Reese – Kämpf – Lafferty
McCabe – Brodie
Giordano – Holl
Rielly – Schenn
Head coach Sheldon Keefe, however, isn't committing to anything for certain just yet, saying he could still decide to go with 11 forwards and seven D. He did admit, however, “We brought him in here for a reason and gave him the (regular season) games we gave him for a reason — because we felt he'd be a good option for us if needed.”
The rookie is currently living in captain John Tavares's basement, and got a quick indoctrination into real life in Toronto while trying to keep up with his teammate on the drive home after the game Tuesday night.
Matthew Knies - who lives with John Tavares - experiencing that ~real~ TO:
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) April 19, 2023
“[Traffic] kind of stinks, to be honest. Getting home from the game, it was a long time coming. Google Maps couldn't figure me out. I lost JT for a little bit. So I was on my own, stranded in Toronto.”
“[Traffic] kind of stinks, to be honest," said Knies. "Getting home from the game... I lost JT for a little bit. So I was on my own, stranded in Toronto.”
Hopefully for the Leafs, he'll be able to navigate the traffic thrown at him on the ice by the Lightning in Game Two.
Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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