“He`s good to go,” announced Craig Berube on the morning of Game 7, a statement that brought significant relief to fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matthew Knies is slated to play in the pivotal seventh game, even though he is dealing with an injury. The Maple Leafs` season depends on this contest, and Knies`s willingness to play hurt exemplifies the nature of playoff hockey.
Coach Berube elaborated on the situation, distinguishing between being truly injured and simply being “banged up” or “hurt.” He noted that at this critical juncture of the season, numerous players across all teams are competing while managing physical discomfort.
Berube emphasized the importance of pushing through pain during the playoffs: “This time of year, you play through it… It’s too important not to.”
Knies was clearly in pain and missed several shifts during Game 6 after being on the receiving end of a reverse hit from Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola in the first period. Despite the apparent discomfort, he managed to finish the game.