The Maple Leafs might have to face their biggest game of the season without one of their rising stars.
Matthew Knies is questionable for Sunday’s do-or-die Game 7 against the Florida Panthers with what looks like a shoulder injury. The young winger played just 13 minutes in Friday’s win and sat out the final seven minutes of the game.
It couldn’t come at a worse time for Toronto.
The 22-year-old has been on fire this postseason, lighting up the scoreboard with five goals – tied for second-best on the team. He’s also been eating up major minutes, ranking third among Leafs forwards in ice time during these playoffs.
This isn’t just a flash in the pan. Knies has been crushing it all year.
He put up 58 points in 78 games during the regular season, splitting them evenly between goals and assists. What’s really impressive is that he scored on 19.1% of his shots – the kind of efficiency that makes coaches smile.
But it’s not just about scoring. Knies brings the muscle too, throwing 182 hits this season – second-most among Toronto’s forwards. That’s a huge jump from last year when he had 15 goals and 35 points.
If he can’t play, the Leafs will have their hands full trying to replace him.
Nicholas Robertson might get another shot after being scratched in Game 6, despite scoring Toronto’s only goal in Game 5. Max Pacioretty, who’s been hot with eight points in 10 playoff games, would likely see more ice time and powerplay action.
But here’s the problem: neither of those guys brings the physical presence Knies does.
The Leafs might need to turn to Steven Lorentz for some muscle, or ask William Nylander to play a grittier game than usual.
All eyes will be on the pregame warmup Monday to see if Knies can go. For Toronto fans, it could be the difference between moving on or going home.
