The Game 6 win over the Florida Panthers put the Toronto Maple Leafs just one victory away from claiming a hard-fought second-round series in the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. After Auston Matthews suffered an eye scare that nearly forced him off the ice, Toronto could now be facing a significant absence.
Matthews overcame the criticism and made it clear he’s an NHL star by scoring the goal that sealed the Game 6 win. It was his first goal of the current postseason, but it means much more. The chance to return to the ice in Toronto and defeat Florida is now just one step away.
However, in such a tightly contested series, setbacks can arise. Along those lines, one of Matthews’ teammates might miss Game 7 against the Panthers after head coach Craig Berube and the Maple Leafs provided an uncertain injury update.
Who could miss game 7 against the Panthers?
Matthews’ teammate who might miss Game 7 against the Panthers is none other than left winger Matthew Knies. “Craig Berube says he’s not sure if Matthew Knies will be healthy enough to play in Game 7. No details were given about his injury,” reported Chris Johnston of The Athletic after the game.
What is Knies’ injury?
Knies took an upper-body hit and was shaken up, missing a shift during the first period, but he returned for the second. The 22-year-old left winger played just over 13 minutes and managed to log more than 20 shifts.
Knies has brought quality to the Maple Leafs’ games. In 11 playoff appearances, he has scored five goals, tying veteran John Tavares for second among Toronto skaters. If Knies were to miss time, it would be a significant blow to the Maple Leafs’ lineup.