Matthew Knies: Toronto’s Troubling Threat to Tampa Bay
Every athlete has that team, the one that seems to bring out a different level of intensity, a spark within. For young toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies,that team is the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In seven regular season matchups against the reigning champions entering Monday night, Knies had already amassed an impressive 10 points, a testament to his ability to elevate his game against one of the NHL’s elite. And under the Scotiabank Arena lights, “Kniesy” lived up to the billing once again, tormenting the Lightning with another dominant performance.
From the opening minutes,Knies displayed his offensive prowess,setting up Auston Matthews for the game’s first goal with a crisp,one-touch pass in the neutral zone. But it was his power-play tally in the third period that truly cemented his impact. Knies parked himself at the netfront, deftly collecting a rebound and burying it backhand-forehand past Tampa Bay goaltender Jonas Johansson.
“Kniesy, for me, he’s been driving,” Toronto head coach Craig Berube said after the Leafs secured a 5-3 victory, with Knies’ goal proving to be the game winner. ”He’s really playing that power forward-type game to a T in my opinion right now, and that really helps that line out.”
Teammate Joseph Woll echoed Berube’s sentiments, highlighting Knies’ unique skillset. “He’s got a little bit of everything,” Woll remarked. “He’s a very skilled player, and when he uses his size, that’s a great combo — it’s really tough to stop.”
Knies’ breakout campaign has seen him achieve a career-high 18 goals. With nearly half the season remaining, he’s poised to shatter his previous point total, further solidifying his place as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
His dominance on the ice is undeniable. But for Toronto Maple Leafs’ young power forward Matthew Knies, it’s the journey, the refinement of his game, that resonates most deeply.His teammates can attest to the dramatic advancement he’s showcased this season.
“He’s taken huge steps,” observes teammate William Nylander, who netted Toronto’s second goal in a recent victory. “He’s scoring incredible goals – all over the ice, in front, even on breakaways. He’s making incredible plays. He’s grown a lot and truly blossomed into a great player,” Nylander continues, highlighting Knies’ remarkable transformation.
Auston Matthews, another Leafs stalwart, agrees. “I think his confidence is the biggest thing,” Matthews states, praising Knies’ mental fortitude. “He’s such a big guy with an incredible skillset. The experience he’s gained has made him even better, and the more comfortable he feels in his own skin, the more his game shines. With every rep, with every game played together, our chemistry as a line grows stronger.” matthews concludes,emphasizing the importance of teamwork and shared growth.
Knies himself acknowledges the importance of consistent practise and building his comfort level on the ice.”The first time I was here, it was definitely an adjustment to playing against bigger, stronger guys,” he reflects, looking back on his early days with the team. “But getting that experience, playing against these players every day in practice and games, has helped me immensely.
He also credits the arrival of the new head coach, whose aggressive, direct style aligns perfectly with his own playing ideology. “He definitely wants us to play fast and simple,” describes Knies, adding, “And that’s kind of what my game is all about. I just try to play for him and learn as much as I can from him.”
Despite the evident progress, Knies hasn’t been impervious to the ups and downs that come with playing at this level. He acknowledges periods where his performance dipped, but frames them as opportunities for growth.”There have been some growing pains here and there,” he admits candidly. But nights like these, facing off against familiar rivals, bring out the best in him.
“It’s good,” Knies says with a smile,referencing a recent win against the Tampa Bay Lightning,a team he’s had particular success against. “It feels like there’s a real rivalry between our teams; it always feels like a little playoff series when we play.
Any win against Tampa is valuable, especially after a January filled with its share of roller coaster moments. “It’s good for us to get this win and keep building that confidence,” Knies concludes, looking ahead to the rest of the season.
How does Matthew Knies believe his opponents’ intensity fuels his performance?
Archyde News: An Interview with Matthew Knies
Archyde Sports Reporter, Alex Hartley, sits down with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies to discuss his extraordinary performances against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Alex Hartley (AH): Matthew, thanks for joining us today. You’ve been absolutely electric against the Tampa Bay Lightning this season. What makes them the team that brings out the best in you?
Matthew Knies (MK): Thanks for having me,Alex. I think it’s just the intensity of the games. The Lightning are always a tough matchup, and I thrive on that challenge. It’s a chance to prove myself against some of the best players in the league. I guess you could say they’re my ‘rivalry fuel,’ if you will.
AH: Well,you’re certainly making the most of those opportunities. You’ve already tallied 10 points in seven games against them this season. What’s your secret?
MK: I think it’s just about being ready for every shift. I know they’re going to be ready, so I have to be too. I try to use my size, my speed, and my skills to my advantage. And, of course, playing with guys like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner helps a lot too.
AH: Speaking of which,your power-play goal last night was a thing of beauty. Can you walk us thru that play?
MK: Thanks, Alex. I was just trying to get to the net, create some traffic for our shooters. I got a lucky bounce on the rebound, and I was able to bury it. it was a big goal for our team, and I was just happy to contribute.
AH: Head coach Craig Berube praised your ‘power forward-type game.’ what does that mean to you, and how do you approach playing that style?
MK: I think it’s just about using my size and strength to my advantage, but also not forgetting my skillset. I want to be a complete player, someone who can score goals, make plays, and also be physical when needed.I’ve been working on that aspect of my game,and I’m glad Coach Berube has noticed.
AH: Your teammate, Joseph Woll, called you a ‘skilled player with size.’ How important is that combination in today’s NHL?
MK: I think it’s really important. You need to be able to create space for yourself and your teammates, and having that size helps do that. But you also need to have the skill to finish plays and make something happen when you get that opportunity. I’m just trying to be that complete player.
AH: You’ve already set a new career-high in goals this season with 18. What’s been the key to your breakout campaign?
MK: I think it’s just a combination of things – confidence, experience, and the opportunity to play with some great players. I’ve been working hard on my game,trying to improve every day,and I think it’s starting to pay off.
AH: Matthew, what’s your message to Leafs fans as you guys push towards the playoffs?
MK: I’d just say thank you for thier support. It’s an unbelievable atmosphere here in Toronto, and we feed off that energy.We’re taking it one game at a time, but we certainly know what’s at stake. We’re going to keep working hard,keep improving,and hopefully,make some noise in the playoffs.
AH: Well said,Matthew. Thanks for your time, and we’ll see you out there!
MK: Thank you, Alex. Appreciate it.
Matthew Knies continues to be a thorn in the side of the Tampa Bay lightning, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to another victory with a dominant performance. With the playoffs on the horizon, Knies and the Leafs are heating up at just the right time.
