Tavares and McCabe explain why Knies is excelling in the playoffs

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Tom Banks
May 1, 2024 (1:45 PM)

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Matthew Knies stepped up big time for a crucial game five winner, and now two of his teammates have sung his praises.

21-year old Matthew Knies has been stepping up big from the moment he arrived in the NHL, as he assisted on the goal that won the Maple Leafs their first playoff series since 2004. On Tuesday night, his captain John Tavares repaid the favour, assisting on the goal that would win game five and take this series back to Toronto for game six, and after, Tavares couldn't stop singing the praises of Knies.

"I think Kniesy's been great all series. Just playing heavy hockey. We know what he can do with his size and his strength and the power that he brings, his soft hands and play-making ability," Tavares said on Tuesday night.

"His finishing ability has really started to come on here for us. So, great to see him get rewarded in a big moment."

Knies had plenty of hype when he arrived in Toronto, and he's certainly living up to it in the biggest moments, with Jake McCabe revelling in the strength of the 21-year old.

"All series long he's been a force, I feel like, to be reckoned with. And I was telling him he's the strongest guy on the ice. He's 21 years old and he's an absolute horse out there».

As for Knies, he couldn't contain his excitement after the goal sent Toronto into elation, now facing just a 3-2 deficit, saying that he seemingly blacked out immediately after scoring.

Knies on feeling after winner: You kind of black out a little bit, so happy...Brought me joy to see the faces of my teammates."

While the regular season wasn't as good as many hoped for, Knies has once again stepped up in the post-season, and even with their absences, it appears the Leafs have a big time playoff performer on their hands.

Source: The Hockey News

'He's The Strongest Guy On The Ice': How Matthew Knies Saved the Maple Leafs' Season with a Game 5 Overtime Winner Against Bruins