Matthew Knies has a clear message for the Canadiens ahead of tonight's matchup

As the Toronto Maple Leafs head back to Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night, they'll be taking on the Montreal Canadiens in a rematch from a couple of weeks back where the Habs took down the Leafs by a 5-2 score.

The Maple Leafs have turned things around recently and are coming in hot off the heels of a three-game win streak, and with their goaltending situation flipped on its head, they're going to need as strong an effort as ever.

This isn't just another Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena. The Leafs are trying to prove their new, heavier identity holds up without their two NHL goalies, and a flat effort at home against Montreal would erase most of the goodwill they just built up on the road.

It's something that Matthew Knies brought attention to when he spoke to reporters after Friday's practice. The power forward touched on the fact that Toronto sometimes plays a little lifeless at home, and they can't afford to do that given the circumstances.

Knies stated:

Knies' payback comment refers to that aforementioned 5-2 loss to the Canadiens, where the Maple Leafs looked flat and never played to the heavy, gritty identity they've stressed so heavily.

With both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll out, rookie Dennis Hildeby is expected to carry the load, which makes Knies' payback comment feel like more than just talk, and they have to protect him as much as they can.

But since then, the team has rattled off four wins out of their last five games, including that three-game win streak that saw them outscore opponents 16-4.

Now the team is playing heavier, more aware defensively, and getting some very impactful production from their bottom-six; something they didn't have the luxury of last time vs. Montreal.

If the third line can lead the charge yet again, plus with Auston Matthews and company doing their part, then it might be a reversal of fortunes for Toronto this time around.

Toronto's home record sits at 8-4-3, but even with the recent surge their overall mark of 12-11-3 keeps them just barely above .500.

They can't afford to come out with a lack of energy tonight, as Montreal is coming in off a tough shootout win over Winnipeg, after back to back losses; so they're on the ropes right now.

Perhaps their newfound resilience and play-style will give fans something to get loud about, which has been an issue at points this season. Starting with some payback against their heated rivals is a great start, and it sounds like Knies is ready to lead the charge.