It is almost that time again for the Maple Leafs to switch their focus to the playoffs and change the narrative of past seasons.
Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs
It has been a trend for most of the Leafs top players to underperform when the pressure is on, so the teams players outside of the core four will need to step it up to ensure postseason success.
One player that could have the utmost value come the playoffs is Leafs forward Matthew Knies.
Knies has had a tremendous sophomore season, recording 26 goals for 52 points in 72 games which is a new career high, as in his rookie year he was only able to put up 35 points in 80 games played.
With six games to still be played to close out the regular season, Knies will be able to only add to this years tally of points.
If Knies can continue his form, he will be a valuable piece to puzzle for the Buds to finally break the curse and bring the Stanley Cup back to Toronto.
One of the main problems for the Leafs in the past has been the quality of depth scoring, Knies will be able to help with this issue, being a key option outside of the core four players.
Last season’s first round series against the Boston Bruins, Knies was able to put up two goals including one of them being a overtime winner in game 5 to send the series back to Toronto for game 6.
If Knies can keep his scoring touch rolling come playoffs, The Leafs will only have another weapon to deploy when searching for goals.
Along with Scoring, the 6’3 power forward’s style of play will also benefit the team when the games tend to get more physical.
Knies has not been afraid to get dirty in the corners using his size and strength to his advantage.
Knies has also thrown his weight around this seasons and in a playoffs, this could wear down the opposition, which could be crucial in a potential seven game series.
Only three players have been able to record over 150 hits and 25 goals this season, the players being Tom Wilson, Brady Tkachuk and Knies.
The young gun has also found himself on the penalty kill and powerplay, earning the trust of head coach Craig Berube as winning the special teams battle in the playoffs is a must, Knies will be able to help with that.
For Knies’ early career in the NHL, he has found himself on the first line playing with the likes of Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews which has been the perfect mix of play styles. 
Knies with his physicality and power, Marner with his poise and playmaking along with Matthews’ skill and goal scoring ability has led to much success and if all three players can preform to their best come the postseason, the Leafs will have a very dangerous first line no one would want to play against.
If Knies and the rest of the team can continue their game from the regular season, Leafs Fans should expect to watch their team play more hockey past the month of April.
