“Terrific, complete players,” Matthew Knies thrives in playoff as Sheldon Keefe scratches Michael Bunting from Game 5
Rookie Matthew Knies replaces Michael Bunting with his astonishingly good chemistry with the team and 3-row wins for Leafs against the Lightning in the playoff series.
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Matthew Knies and Michael Bunting [Image Credit: HockeyFeed/Daily Hive]
Toronto Maple Leafs’ coach Sheldon Keefe makes a shocking decision to scratch Michael Bunting for Game 5 of the 1st-round playoff series. NHL suspended Bunting for 3 games following his hit on Lightning defenceman Erik Cernak in Game 1.
Although the forward is ready to pounce on ice, he has been forbidden by Keefe who believes in the chemistry of the existing group of players. Leafs’ rookie Matthew Knies has been thriving in playoff series along with linemates Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. They have dominated the Bolts for the past 3 games.
Keefe praised Knies who’s been a dominating force in the playoff series on the third line. Bunting who’s been out since Game 1 united that he reached out to Cernak and wishes him the fastest recovery. He further said that it wasn’t his intention to hurt the player to this extent. As of now, Cernak will also be out of his skates for Game 5.
Sheldon Keefe praises Matthew Knies for his performance on ice
![Matthew Knies and Sheldon Keefe [Image Credit: NHL]](https://firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled-design-11-43-1024x768.png)
Bunts texted and apologized to Cernak following the incident. He praised the Lightning defenceman as a great player who plays hard and knows his game. He further expressed that the duo have been head-butting for some time, but such an incident was unprecedented, “Yeah, that’s not my game.”
Sheldon Keefe talked about the chemistry he found between the three linesmen and said he wanted to observe a bit more before bringing in Michael Bunting to the game. As of now, Keefe is “comfortable with the group” as they snatched victory 3-times in a row against Lightning.
For now, Bunting is happy to sit out of the lineup as he doesn’t want to be a “burden” on anyone, and instead cheer on the team for further victories. Bunting’s suspension opened the door to rookie player Matthew Knies who’s been doing a “terrific job” for the team.
According to Bunts, his “job is to be a good teammate and be a professional in all aspects”. But that doesn’t mean the Leafs forward is ok to sit out playoff games. Although there’s no confirmation on the future decision, the winger for now will sit out of the playoff series.
He said, “Watching’s stressful”. According to the winger, it’s been “stressful” but the players on the ice have responded well in the past few games. So he wishes to support and cheer them, try to be a “great teammate” and “help in any way I can and not be a distraction.”
As of now, Knies has been placed with John Tavares and Mitch Marner and may play alongside them in Game 5. He stated how excited he is to get this opportunity to observe two “terrific and complete players” skating up close.
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