Matthew Knies injury uncertainty looms for Maple Leafs after forcing Game 7

SUNRISE, Fla.

Craig Berube shook his head as he pondered the question, almost afraid of what the answer might be.

The Maple Leafs head coach was being asked about the status of his top-line left-winger Matthew Knies.

Knies took a reverse hit from 6-foot-6 Panthers defenceman Niko Mikkola behind the Panthers net late in the first period of the Leafs decisive 2-0 Game 6 win.

But Knies, 22, appeared in serious discomfort once he returned for the second period.

He played sparingly throughout the second and third periods and did not look nearly as effective throughout.

We dont know right now, Berube said of Knies injury, before continuing on Knies Game 7 status.

I wouldnt know (the answer) to that question right now, Berube said.

Hes dealing with something here that happened.

And weve got to look at him and see how hes feeling tomorrow.

Postgame, Knies was seen without wearing any medical equipment such as a cast or brace and no other signs of serious medical treatment.

He was not made available to speak to the media after the Leafs win.

Advertisement Given how Knies hobbled over on the left side of his body on the Leafs bench throughout the game, its worth wondering if he suffered a rib injury.

And so the Leafs could leave South Florida with the status of one of their most important playoff performers up in the air.

Losing Knies would be a crucial blow to the Leafs chances in Game 7.

He has blossomed into a bona fide and trusted playoff player.

He is tied for second on the team in postseason goals (5).

Knies consistently plays with the kind of physicality, pace and competitiveness Berube demands.

As of late, hes also understanding how to move past playoff disappointments with the right attitude, too.

You have to have a goldfish mindset, Knies told The Athletic ahead of Game 6.

Just keep moving forward.

It sounds dumb, but thats the way you have to approach it.

Its a new challenge and a new day.

Yet throughout the second and third period, Knies did not respond to that challenge with his typical energy.

Signs of concern began on the bench after the hit, when Knies was caught on the broadcast appearing to say, I cant even move it when discussing his injury.

Knies then looked to be struggling as he walked to the Leafs dressing room at the conclusion of the first period.

As he laboured through his time on the ice, Knies did not use his frame on the forecheck and was not as decisive as he has been throughout the playoffs with the puck in the offensive zone.

After taking eight shifts in the first period, Knies took just five shifts come the third period, all of which were at five-on-five.

In the second period, Knies was replaced briefly by Max Pacioretty on the Leafs top power-play unit.

Bobby McMann briefly replaced Knies on the Leafs top line before Knies returned beside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner later in the game.

Advertisement That he battled through his injury earned him admiration from his teammates.

And if Knies continues in the playoffs, persevering could elevate his standing around the team even further.

Hes already a fan favourite, not even three full seasons into his career.

Powering through an injury to then have a memorable Game 7? Wed be approaching the kind of status that could get Knies talked about for years to come.

Thats what you love to see, Marner said of Knies continuing to play after taking the hit from Mikkola.

It didnt slow him down at all, he continued to battle.

Still, that Knies was played sparingly raises multiple questions about his status moving forward.

If Knies is not operating at 100 percent come Sunday evening, what would it take for him to play in Game 7? There were multiple points throughout Game 6 that it looked like Knies could leave the Leafs bench for good.

And if Knies isnt available, what sort of changes will Berube have to make to his lineup to compensate for his absence? While McMann did skate on the top line, his tentative play through the postseason would not necessarily make him the best fit beside Matthews and Marner in a decisive Game 7.

But that he did earn a shift on the line in Game 6 suggests hes an option Berube would consider.

The safest choice is likely Max Pacioretty, who has the experience and skill he scored the second goal in Game 6 to make him a fit on the line.

Would Nick Robertson, who has only played in Game 5 and had the Leafs lone goal in the blowout loss be a wild card replacement? While he doesnt have Knies physical tools, the chance to play with skilled players could bring out the best in Robertson and his shoot-first mentality.

Ultimately, the 48 hours or so before Game 7 feel like they could be nerve-wracking ones for Knies.

Hes quickly gone from a young, up-and-coming player to one who fully understands the demands of playoff hockey.

Advertisement And now, even quicker, his status remains one of the more pressing questions for the Leafs heading into the biggest game in recent franchise.

(Knies) is a competitor, Matthews said.

I thought he fought hard.

I dont know what the extent is, as far as what hes going through.

But he went out there, he was still hard on pucks and strong.

Hopefully hell be good to go on Sunday.

(Top photo of Matthew Knies and Seth Jones: Sam Navarro / Imagn Images).

This article has been shared from the original article on theathleticuk, here is the link to the original article.