Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies Criticizes Team’s Inability to Complete Full 60 Minutes in First 3 Games
The Toronto Maple Leafs started the season with a record of 1-2, suffering back-to-back losses to the Detroit Red Wings. This comes after the Red Wings missed the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons. After their latest loss to Detroit, Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies expressed his concern about the team’s performance.
Matthew Knies on Team Performance
Following the 3-2 defeat to Detroit, Knies stated, “I still think we need to play a full 60 minutes. We can’t let it break down, especially in the last few minutes of a period or a game.” He emphasized the need for the team to play simpler and manage the clock more effectively during critical moments.
Overview of Early Season Games
- Season Opener: The Maple Leafs secured a 5-2 win against the Montreal Canadiens, though they appeared sluggish against a faster opponent.
- Second Game: Toronto faced a 6-3 defeat to the Red Wings at Little Caesar’s Arena, a loss they fully deserved.
- Recent Match: In a closely contested game, the Leafs rallied from a 2-0 deficit only to lose with Mason Appleton scoring the game-winner in the last minute.
Despite their struggles, Knies remains optimistic about the team’s potential. He mentioned that integrating newcomers like Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy, and Matias Maccelli may contribute to their early-season challenges. “I think we’re just finding our rhythm here,” Knies added.
Looking Ahead
The Maple Leafs will look to bounce back as they host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. With a quick turnaround, they aim to reestablish their pace and improve their game performance.
Knies concluded with confidence, stating, “We have an unbelievable leadership group and a lot of veterans on the team so I think we can find our rhythm and get back on track.”
