Matthew Knies Reveals What Maple Leafs Must Do to Finally Beat the Panthers
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies was blunt in his explanation as to why the team lost to Florida last year, but laid out how the team can improve in 2025.
Last year's playoffs were disappointing to say the least for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After jumping out to a 2-0 series lead against Florida in Round Two, they faltered in Game 3 to put a chokehold on the seven-game slate, and while they fought valiantly; were ultimately ousted.
It's led to a swift changing of the guard for the team, as they have made a lot of personnel changes both at the executive and roster level. There's no more Brendan Shanahan, Mitch Marner was sent packing, and the team has added more than enough depth this summer.
All part of the Craig Berube game plan, it's all about hard work, passion, grit and toughness both mentally and physically. It's not easy playing that style, but it seems like the Leafs roster has bought in fully and are willing to do whatever it takes to win.
What Knies Learned From Toronto's Last Playoff Exit
Matthew Knies understands the heartbreak of losing that series to Florida, and in his interview with Leafs Morning Take had some candid comments regarding how that series ended.
Knies didn't shy away from revealing what may have caused the team to struggle and be overwhelmed by the Panthers contingent:
We had such a great start in that series, and I think we showed what we could do.
But our consistency wasn't there throughout the whole series, we let some games slip away, and we just weren't on the pedal. Yeah, I just don't think we played as physical as we needed to, as tough as we needed to.
Especially in those key games, like Game 7, we kind of let them push us around and that's obviously unacceptable.
But we added a lot of grit, a lot of muscle to our team and that's going to be important, and come playoff time it's big boy hockey and I think we added a lot of that.
But our consistency wasn't there throughout the whole series, we let some games slip away, and we just weren't on the pedal. Yeah, I just don't think we played as physical as we needed to, as tough as we needed to.
Especially in those key games, like Game 7, we kind of let them push us around and that's obviously unacceptable.
But we added a lot of grit, a lot of muscle to our team and that's going to be important, and come playoff time it's big boy hockey and I think we added a lot of that.
Why the Leafs' New Additions Could Change the Story This Time
It's incredibly mature to hear Knies speak like a 10-year veteran who has been through all the ups and downs, not a soon-to-be 23 year old going into his third season.
His blunt assessment of things and saying how it was literally unacceptable to perform the way they did shows wisdom beyond his years, and his understanding of the nuances of the game.
But perhaps most importantly, it shows the fans that they have someone who not only wants to be here, but takes accountability for the team's shortcomings, doesn't place blame on others, and it's clear he is dedicated to winning in Toronto.
That's a lot more than Mitch Marner can say, and same with several other players who decided to leave Toronto or refuse to come over due to perceived media pressure and fan behavior.
The passion and love that Knies has for the Maple Leafs has not gone unnoticed, and down the line it would not be surprising to see him the face of the franchise and a future captain.
Maybe summed it up best during his media tour in Vegas, being Toronto's representative this summer:
We're under a microscope, a lot of cameras on us. It's a privilege. We have to earn the right to have that, try not let it affect us, use it in a good way.
If Knies is going to have his way, it's not going to affect them; only motivate.
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