The Toronto Maple Leafs have received positive news regarding their lineup. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed on Sunday that top-line winger Matthew Knies is confirmed and ready to play in the crucial, winner-take-all Game 7 against the Florida Panthers.
Knies actively participated in the team`s morning skate earlier on Sunday, taking his regular spot alongside linemates Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews during drills.
Concerns about Knies` health arose during Friday`s Game 6. He appeared to be in discomfort after an awkward collision with Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola occurred in the first period of that game.
Despite remaining on the bench and not leaving the game during play, the 23-year-old ultimately logged only 13:01 of ice time, which is significantly less than his playoff average of 20:11 per game this post-season.
On Saturday, Berube had previously told reporters that he had not yet seen Knies and could not provide an update on his condition at that time.
When asked after Game 6 about why Knies` minutes were managed, especially when he clearly wasn`t at peak performance, Berube described it as “Just conversations with him. Situational.”
Regarding the Florida Panthers` lineup, head coach Paul Maurice did not definitively confirm whether forward Evan Rodrigues would play in Game 7. Rodrigues missed Games 5 and 6 after receiving a heavy check from Oliver Ekman-Larsson, although Maurice did note that Rodrigues “feels good.”
The decisive Game 7 between Toronto and Florida is scheduled to take place on Sunday evening.
