Matthew Knies Comments on His First Playoff Game and Receives Praise from Keefe and Friedman
With Michael Bunting's three-game suspension, Sheldon Keefe had limited options to fill the void. His clear replacement was Matthew Knies, and everyone was eager to see what the rookie could bring to the playoffs.
Paired with Noel Acciari and Ryan O'Reilly, Knies was in a position to have an impact on the team, and he seized the opportunity.Knies Praised by Keefe and Friedman
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman praised the young forward during the second intermission :
"Knies is the real deal, and you can see why the Leafs weren't willing to trade him."
After the game, Knies and Keefe commented on his first playoff appearance.
The rookie simply said : "It was unreal."
Then, he talked about his teammates and how he felt on the ice:
"Having two veteran guys with me was a huge help. O'Reilly stepped up and took me under his wing, making the game a lot easier for me. I was a little nervous on my first shift, gripping my stick too tight."
If he was nervous, it didn't show on the ice! He used his incredible hockey IQ and grit to generate offensive chances, recording two shots, five hits, and an 84.95 xGF%.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe also praised Knies and his line:
"I thought the line was terrific. We will review everything, but it felt to me like they were in the offensive zone — or at least out of trouble — a lot.
Matt, in particular, took a penalty in the first period, but I thought he skated well. He was hard on the puck. He made a couple of great offensive plays. It was an excellent performance from him.
O'Reilly and Acciari were real pros tonight, taking care of Knies and managing the game when they were out there."
Matt, in particular, took a penalty in the first period, but I thought he skated well. He was hard on the puck. He made a couple of great offensive plays. It was an excellent performance from him.
O'Reilly and Acciari were real pros tonight, taking care of Knies and managing the game when they were out there."
With two games remaining in Bunting's suspension, Knies should see more playoff action in the coming days.
As reported on Maple Leafs Insider - Sheldon Keefe and Knies comment on his impressive performance in his first career playoff game
| POLL | ||
April 21 | 916 answers Matthew Knies Comments on His First Playoff Game and Receives Praise from Keefe and Friedman Do you think Knies will score his first playoff goal in game 3? | ||
| Yes | 649 | 70.9 % |
| No | 267 | 29.1 % |
| LIST OF POLL | ||
Latest 10 stories
TOP 5
FOLLOW US
 |  |  |
| 370 999 followers | ||