In an electrifying match on Tuesday, Matthew Knies showcased his skills by scoring a pivotal goal and assisting the red-hot Auston Matthews, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a commanding 4-1 victory over the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers.
Former Maple Leafs draft pick Carter Verhaeghe spoiled Joseph Woll’s shutout attempt with just over eight minutes left in the game, but it was not enough as Toronto (20-15-7) secured their sixth consecutive win at Scotiabank Arena. The Panthers (22-17-3) faced their second shutout of the season.
Knies opened the scoring early in the second period, followed by a brilliant setup for Matthews’ 21st goal less than four minutes later, further solidifying his position as the team’s top scorer.
The legendary former Maple Leafs captain, Mats Sundin, made a special appearance at the game to honor Matthews, who surpassed his franchise record of 420 goals. Matthews now stands at 422 goals in just 665 games, an impressive achievement at the age of 28.
Reflecting on his milestone, Matthews expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear the Maple Leafs jersey and acknowledged the legacy of players like Sundin who paved the way for him. Sundin, in turn, praised Matthews as a phenomenal goal scorer and a remarkable leader, commending his grace under the pressure of playing for Toronto.
Matthews has been on fire since the Christmas break, tallying seven goals and 11 points in just five games. Although he was denied a goal by Florida’s netminder Sergei Bobrovsky on a power-play breakaway, his performance has been stellar.
The Panthers outshot the Maple Leafs 32-23, but a late empty-net goal by Bobby McMann sealed the victory for Toronto. This win marked a sweet redemption for the Maple Leafs, who suffered a crushing defeat to the Panthers in last season’s playoffs.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that Brad Marchand, a notable player from the Boston Bruins, had considered joining the Maple Leafs as a free agent last summer before ultimately deciding on Florida. Marchand’s absence in the third period sparked speculation about what could have been if he had chosen Toronto.
Next up, the Maple Leafs will face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, looking to continue their winning streak and build on their recent successes on the ice.