Being down 2-0 in your playoff series is bad enough. However, worse news has come out for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Rookie winger Matthew Knies will be out for the rest of the playoff series. A big blow for the team and the forward who was playing good hockey for the club.
Matthew Knies Out For Series With Injury
Matthew Knies has been diagnosed with a concussion and will miss Games 3 & 4. Sheldon Keefe also stated that he's "unlikely" to return to the series. pic.twitter.com/ZRzWjCeToS
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 5, 2023
Sam Bennett has relished in embracing the villain role. The Florida Panthers centre got fined for his crosscheck on Michael Bunting. In addition, a vicious hit on Matthew Knies raised eyebrows. A stick up high and a hard hit into the boards left Matthew Knies with a concussion. For now no further discipline for that hit has been released. However, Sheldon Keefe has said he will be out Game 3 and 4 and likely the entire series. He was playing good once his name got called upon.
How This Impacts The Leafs
You hate it for the rookie. Ever since Michael Bunting received his suspension in the first round, Matthew Knies made his impact immediately. In seven games played, he has one goal, three assists, and four points. His first career goal was a thing of beautify. Knies ranks fourth among forwards in Corsi For (50%), been on the ice for five goals, and has the sixth best xGoals for (4.36). From an individual standpoint, his ixG is 0.9 (7th). Ever since signing his entry level contract, Matthew Knies has been everything you can ask for.
This Maple Leafs team is deep. With a core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander it helps dealing with a key injury. Depth is deeper this season as well and has shined brightly when it’s needed to. Expect some fireworks in Game 3 as the Leafs will have number 9 on their radar.
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
