Leafs HC Craig Berube Challenges Matthew Knies in One-on-One Meeting
Craig Berube expects more out of Matthew Knies, and recently had a meeting with the power forward to try and get him kickstarted again after a long offensive drought.
Although he started out hot with 12 points in 20 games, Matthew Knies has gone quiet as of late, going through a very long stretch where it looks he's become invisible on the ice.
Only scoring one goal and four points over his last 13 games, he hasn't played well offensively and his defense has been sorely lacking as well. Whether he's cautious about re-injuring himself, or some mental block; something is off.
Head coach Craig Berube knows this and is doing what he can to help Knies out. Meeting with the young power forward, he tried to give some sage wisdom and motivate him:
He's a big-bodied guy, skates extremely well, and plays a heavy game. He needs to bring that recklessness back into his game, get more involved, and focus on the forecheck.
It's about constantly moving, getting to the net, and winning those battles. Before his injury, he was excellent at that, but he just hasn't reached that level again.»
Matthew Knies Needs To Act Not So Nicely
If the Toronto Maple Leafs want to get their offensive woes figured out, they may want to start with Knies. After a blistering start where not only was he scoring, but also hitting everything that moves and showing unrelenting energy, it feels like Knies is acting too cautiously.
A big guy indeed, the 6'2, 210 pound forward moves like lightning but hits like a truck. If Knies wants to be successful he needs to start utilizing the size he has, and he's much more dangerous when he's constantly pressuring.
Take his goal against the Edmonton Oilers earlier this year. Knies was able to pounce on a mistake and score, meanwhile this new version of Knies may be passing the puck or won't be as aggressive which harms not only his stats but the team's as a whole.
Knies should also use his frame to make the goaltender's job as difficult as possible, and given how fast he can move laterally, he's the perfect choice for a screen as Toronto can wire as many shots as needed as long as they have Knies holding it down in the slot.
It's about time Matthew Knies started to play like the team needs him to, and given he has an undeniable amount of potential and skill, he could be one of the team's most dangerous assets.
Listening to Craig Berube is a good start, but it remains to be seen if he takes those words to heart or if they fell on deaf ears.
