Knies' Game-Winning Goal Pushes Maple Leafs to Playoff Spot in 3-2 Victory Over Panthers

Matthew Knies has seven games remaining to score four more goals, which would mark his first 30-goal season in the NHL.

During a recent game, Knies found himself in perfect position as Mitch Marner brought the puck into the Toronto Maple Leafs' zone. Knies raised his stick, signaling for the pass. Marner responded by threading the puck between two Florida Panthers players, setting Knies up for a breakaway. 

The 22-year-old winger made a move to his left, then right, before hitting the post, deflecting it off Sergei Bobrovsky and into the net. Knies' 26th goal of the season gave the Maple Leafs a 3-1 lead, and they would hold on to win 3-2, despite a late Panthers goal.

"I saw some space behind their defensemen. I was yelling for it from Mitch, and he made an incredible pass," Knies said after the game. "It was honestly lucky it landed perfectly on my stick. I was trying to bat it out of the air, but it landed just right. I thought he might go for a poke check, so I tried to go five-hole, and fortunately, it went in."

Knies' goal also gave him five game-winning goals this season, tying him for fourth on the team with Bobby McMann. He's also on the verge of doubling his goal total from last season when he scored 15.

His 15th goal this season came on January 5 against the Philadelphia Flyers, during Game 40 of the year. However, Wednesday’s goal highlighted how much Knies' game has developed over the season. The 6-foot-3, 227-pound forward used his strong hockey IQ to find space before using his power and speed to break away from the Panthers' 6-foot-6 defenseman, Niko Mikkola.

"Just saw Kniesy breaking to the middle. I gave it a second to develop to get behind the defenseman, then made the pass towards him, hoping it would go through the one stick and land on his," Marner explained. "Luckily, it worked out, and Knies made a great move."

The goal not only sealed the win but also helped the Maple Leafs clinch a playoff spot. With only 154 NHL games played, Knies has quickly become a key contributor to Toronto's success.