Craig Berube details productive meeting with struggling Toronto Maple Leafs forward
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has his work cut out for him, especially when it comes to getting guys like Matthew Knies back on track.
Matthew Knies started the season on a torrid pace, however, he only has one goal in his last 13 games, and his last assist was over a week ago.
Fans are growing concerned about the winger, especially since his struggles came after a hit to the head by Las Vegas Golden Knights defenseman, Zach Whitecloud.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies meets with Craig Berube
As the head coach described, he had a meeting with the forward where they went over some game film. During this meeting, the message was clear: "play recklessly."
«Today, we showed him a lot of video, and he went over it with us. He's just got to get more involved. For me, it's about being a little more reckless. That's how he played before. 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.»
In 35 games this season, Matthew Knies has scored 11 goals and has also added eight assists for a total of 19 points.
Had Knies kept up his production from the start of the season, he could be close to a point-per-game pace.
That said, he has very clearly lost a step and it will be interesting to see whether or not he can carry some momentum into the New Year.
Perhaps his struggles can be explained by the absence of Auston Matthews, as the two are typically linemates.
Whatever the case may be, today's game against the New York Islanders could be the perfect opportunity for Knies to get himself back to his old ways.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 176 ANSWERS Craig Berube details productive meeting with struggling Toronto Maple Leafs forward Do you believe that Craig Berube is doing a good job coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 157 | 89.2 % |
| NO | 19 | 10.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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