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'Machine' Knies is 'good to go' for Leafs in Game 7

9 0
20.05.2025

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers (optional) skated at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday.

Matthew Knies took reps in his usual spot on the left side of the Toronto Maple Leafs' top line and in front of the net on the top power play unit during Sunday's morning skate.

"He's good to go," Leafs coach Craig Berube confirmed following the workout.

After taking an awkward reverse hit from Florida Panthers defenceman Niko Mikkola on Friday, Knies played through pain during the Leafs Game 6 win and only logged 13 minutes, which was well below his playoff average of 20:11.

Berube believes he will be able to deploy the 22-year-old as he normally would in Game 7. That's a big boost for the Leafs as Knies is tied for second on the team with five goals in the playoffs.

"He's been a machine out there every night," said winger William Nylander. "Winning battles, making nice plays, putting his body on the line, he's done an incredible job battling for us all year."

"He’s a big body," said Panthers top-line centre Aleksander Barkov. "He plays the game the right way."

Toronto's top line of Knies, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner is expected to be matched up against Florida's top line in Game 7.

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Jake McCabe received stick taps for being the last player on the ice at the team's morning skate. In fairness to the defenceman, he was actually a few minutes early for the 10:30 am session.

The Leafs, apparently, were eager to get their workout going on Sunday morning.

"I always feel it's good to go out for a quick twirl and get some anxiety out and get the guys together and good energy and just touching it a little bit," Berube said.........

© TSN