The NHL playoffs begin April 20 and the Toronto Maple Leafs might need to rely on young faces like never before.
The Leafs currently sit third in the Atlantic division, the Blue-and-White will likely be facing off against the Florida Panthers for the second year in a row.
Last season, the Panthers dealt with the Leafs, beating them in five games in the second round of the 2022-’23 playoffs, stopping their Stanley Cup aspirations.
With the addition of players such as Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi, who have finally found their stride with the already talented crop of stars, the Maple Leafs’ depth will also need to play a big part in this year’s run to the cup.
Although the Leafs’ star players will need to be at their best to take out the runners-up in last year’s cup final, the younger players should have a greater effect in this year’s quest than fans might expect.
Leafs Forward Matthew Knies, who has been the team’s top rookie and has four points in his last five games, said he is finding other ways to score that will benefit the team during the playoffs.
“I’m finding myself around the net, getting my stick available,” Knies said. I think the more I can figure out myself around that area, I can just create loose pucks and capitalize.”
Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews during the the outdoor practice at Nathan Phillips Square on Feb, 8. Photo credit: Luca Tersigni
Knies, who currently has 35 points in 77 games, has been able to play up and down the lineup. He has found chemistry with many of the Leafs’ top players, and among the bottom six, cementing himself as a full-time NHLer.
Injuries tend to appear way more often during the postseason as the level of toughness increases, so having a player such as Knies who can use his versatility in the lineup could benefit the Leafs’ success.
Knies was also able to muster up some pleasant performances in the playoffs last year, putting up four points in seven games before being held out with a concussion.
Unlike Knies, Leafs forward Nick Roberston who has not been given consistent playing time but has been effective when dressed, was asked what he can do to stay in the lineup.
“Just to stick to what’s been working for me, keep my game simple, shooting the puck, moving my feet, and try not to overthink it and just go in and play my game,” he said.
Nick Robertson celebrating a goal during the Maple Leafs outdoor practice at Nathan Philips Square on Feb, 8. He is expected to be among the young Leafs the team will rely on for depth scoring in the NHL playoffs which being April 20. Photo credit: Luca Tersigni
Robertson has 25 points in 53 games, making him a reliable depth-scoring option for the team this season.
Scoring was a big issue last year against the Panthers, as the core four only tallied three goals. Leafs centre Auston Matthews was held off of the scoring sheet for all five games during last year’s playoff series.
Robertson, who has 13 goals this season, could be a valuable depth-scoring piece to assist the top two lines.
With many other options who could slot in the lineup and provide offence, goaltender Joseph Woll said he is gearing up for playoffs whether he is starting game one or not.
“I just wanna stay with my game, stay with my process and try not to change too much from day to day, come to the rink every day whether or not I’m playing or Sammy (Samsonov) is playing and do my best to help the team,” Woll said.
Although goaltender Ilya Samsonov will likely be the Game One starter, having a resurgent second half of the season, Woll could be an effective backup down the stretch.
Woll, who has a .907 save percentage in 23 games despite recent struggles, has been a valuable player on the Leafs’ roster. He has held the fort during Samsonov’s struggles.
Woll has also had the opportunity to get some playoff games under his belt against the Panthers finishing with a .915 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average in four games
If any issues regarding the starting position appear, Woll could step in and do the job.
The Maple Leafs will have some tough decisions to make when game one of the playoffs rolls around.