#2004 tampa bay lightning roster series#

Knies, a second-round draft pick in 2021, joined the Maple Leafs out of the University of Minnesota on an entry-level deal and produced one assist in three games at the end of the regular season. 'We've got some time here now today and tomorrow to sort through that and make that decision.'

#2004 tampa bay lightning roster series#

'It's not as simple of a decision as it may have been earlier in the series or at a different time. 'With Bunting being available obviously it's a very good option for us, he's a good player for us,' Keefe said. The way Knies has performed makes reintegrating Bunting into the lineup a little less clearcut for Keefe, who said he'll use the next couple of days to choose who takes the ice. With Toronto trailing Tampa Bay 2-1 midway through the second period of Monday night's win, Knies saved a goal by clearing the puck off the goal line after a scramble in front of the net.

Knies is also making important plays off the stat sheet. The 20-year-old Knies has one assist, four shots, nine hits and is plus-2 in three playoff games - all Toronto wins. Knies entered the lineup in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series after Bunting received a three-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Lightning defenceman Erik Cernak in the series opener. 'He's a guy who definitely has earned his spot and the opportunity to continue to play for us.' 'He's done a terrific job for us,' Keefe said of Knies on Tuesday morning. With forward Michael Bunting eligible to return, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has some roster decisions to make ahead of Game 5 on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.īut one thing's for certain, rookie forward Matthew Knies will not be coming out of the lineup.