Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube says forward Matthew Knies is still being evaluated, but feels better a day after receiving a check from Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Zach Whitecloud.
The play happened with 12:01 remaining in the second period Wednesday, as Knies skated through the neutral zone with the puck when Whitecloud seemed to leave his feet, appearing to make contact with the 22-year-old’s chin.
Knies immediately skated to Toronto’s bench as his teammates came to his defence, including blue-liner Simon Benoit, who took Whitecloud down to the ice.
When asked about the hit, Berube said he did not believe it was a dirty play.
“It’s a hockey hit. It’s been around forever. It’s a clean hit,” Berube said. “It’s a tough play. He’s in a vulnerable position a little bit. The guy was on him from behind and it’s a tough play. It is, but it’s hockey. That’s part of the game.”
Berube was also asked about Auston Matthews‘ status, as the forward is going to Germany to get treatment for his upper-body injury. The coach said that Matthews is improving and is in a good spot.
Berube did not have a concrete timeline for when Matthews will be back skating but said that he could be on the ice this coming weekend.
General manager Brad Treliving said that Matthews was doubtful to suit up Sunday versus Utah. He is more likely to return next Wednesday against the Florida Panthers, which could be a potential showdown for first place in the Atlantic Division.
