Apr 17, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Scott Laughton (24) scores a goal and celebrates with left wing Matthew Knies (23) against the Detroit Red Wings during the overtime period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Matthew Knies is the definition of a playoff performer with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
At 22 years old, Knies is already making massive blocks, scoring crucial goals — including his netfront power play marker in the third period — and playing a team-high 22:19 in Game 1 against the Ottawa Senators.
He's only two seasons removed from playing at the University of Minnesota and doing everything requested of him in the Stanley Cup playoffs — when it matters most.
"Yeah, it means a lot," Knies said on Monday, when asked about his team-high in minutes played. "I want to be able to play in every situation to dominate out there and be a physical component to our team. I think I did a good job of that, and I just want to keep it going."
Let's, though, return to when his key plays in the game came.
Ottawa was pushing for a comeback just over midway through the third period. After some time in Toronto's zone, Knies stepped in front of a Thomas Chabot slap shot, which got his teammates going.
"I mean, that’s kind of what you have to do at this time of year, pay the price," he said, when asked about his hand after blocking the shot. "But no, I feel good."
And to score the goal on the power play shortly after: "Felt rewarding for sure."
Knies' play has been a talking point all season long. He put up career-high numbers (29 goals and 29 assists in 78 games), and since the power forward was drafted, seemed to be suited for the playoffs.
He's big, the heaviest player on the Maple Leafs, in fact, and plays in all situations for the team.
"He was big last night. He’s so strong. He’s a handful to deal with down low and around their net," Auston Matthews said on Monday.
"He’s just a horse out there, so he was great for us last night. He’s physical on both sides of the puck, and like I said, he’s just hard to deal with down low."
What stuck out most about Knies' availability on Monday was his discipline. He wasn't getting ahead of himself or satisfied with everything the Maple Leafs did in Game 1. Part of that attitude has come from Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube's coaching style, but also from the player himself understanding there is lots more playoff hockey left.
And if you want to go far in the postseason, you need that mentality.
"I think there’s just a little bit of a different feel to it. It could be the new coach, it could be the new faces in the locker room," Knies said.
"It’s always going to feel a little bit different, but I think we’re ready for the test, and I think we did a good job. But I think it’s just one step, and we gotta keep this going, keep this one going. We don’t expect it to be a short series at all, so we just gotta keep working."
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