HIGHLIGHTS
- The Maple Leafs forced Game 7 against the Panthers on Friday
- However, Matthew Knies sustained an injury
- Read below to see what Craig Berube said about his top winger
The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to force Game 7 against the Florida Panthers after winning 2-0 on Friday evening at Amerant Bank Arena, but their top winger suffered a worrying injury that could hinder his status for the series decider.
Matthew Knies took a hit from Niko Mikkola in the first period and was seriously uncomfortable, playing fewer shifts through the second and third. It appeared to be a lower-body injury of some sort.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube spoke on Knies and said there are minimal details right now.
Via Joshua Kloke of The Athletic:
“We don’t know right now,” Berube said of Knies’ injury, before continuing on Knies’ Game 7 status.
“I wouldn’t know (the answer) to that question right now,” Berube said. “He’s dealing with something here that happened. And we’ve got to look at him and see how he’s feeling tomorrow.”
Knies was heard on the broadcast for Game 6 voicing “I can’t even move it” when referring to the injury, which is very concerning. Losing the winger would be a crushing blow for the Maple Leafs in their hopes of beating the defending champions in Game 7 at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday.
The 22-year-old has been solid for Toronto in these playoffs, contributing five goals and two helpers. He also tallied 58 points during the regular season, including 29 goals and 29 assists.
Mitch Marner praised his teammate for playing through the pain:
That’s what you love to see,” Marner said of Knies. “It didn’t slow him down at all, he continued to battle.”
Knies is a warrior, and he’ll do everything imaginable to be out there for Game 7. But if he physically can’t go, expect some lineup changes from Berube as the Maple Leafs look to advance to the conference finals.
