Matthew Knies held pointless through two games, sparking impatience of the Leafs' fanbase
While the US has dominated its first two games at the World Juniors, 5-1 and 7-1 wins over Germany and Switzerland, Matthew Knies is somewhat surprisingly yet to find the scoresheet. It's not for a lack of trying though, as Knies has done everything but find the scoresheet as evidenced by this beautiful cross ice pass that resulted in a high-quality scoring chance.
Leafs fans are beginning to get a bit restless when it comes to Knies, who is currently listed as the organization's top prospect. It's important to remember that Knies is just 19 years old and, though he's in a man's body, is technically still just a teenager. The tournament is still young and there's still plenty of room for Knies to make his presence felt.
Knies, a second round pick of the Leafs in 2021 has used his 6'3», 213-pound frame very effectively through two games, protecting the puck, winning board battles and being impossible to move as a net-front presence. He's had 7 shots on goal so far and is poised to find the scoresheet, it's just a matter of time.
Whether or not Knies fails to register a point in the tournament, which is highly unlikely, it shouldn't be seen as a step backwards in his development. He's played a ton of hockey in the last year including going straight from Leafs' development camp (where he was a standout) to Team USA's camp.
Knies will look to finally break through on Saturday when the US takes on Austria and carry any momentum through to Sunday's matchup against Sweden.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
AOUT 12 | 252 ANSWERS Matthew Knies held pointless through two games, sparking impatience of the Leafs' fanbase Are you concerned that Knies has yet to record a point even though his team has 12 goals? |
Yes | 59 | 23.4 % |
No, not at all | 193 | 76.6 % |
List of polls |
|
5 hours ago | By TJ Tucker Leafs Blueliner Chris Tanev Snubbed Yet Again by Team Canada Amid Shea Theodore Injury |
|
8 hours ago | By TJ Tucker Following Heroic OT Winner for Canada, Mitch Marner Shows Why He's a Step Behind the Greats |
|
11 hours ago | By Mike Armenti Leafs' Auston Matthews Embraces Villain Role at 4 Nations Face-Off, Has Message for Boo Birds |
|
12 hours ago | By Nick Matthews Team Canada Coach Jon Cooper Makes It Very Clear How He Views Leafs Star Mitch Marner |
|
14 hours ago | By Nick Matthews Mitch Marner Shares Unexpected Remarks About Arguably the Leafs' Most Heated Rival, Brad Marchand |
|
16 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Brad Treliving Has a Chance to Reverse One of Kyle Dubas' Most Controversial Moves As Leafs GM |
|
18 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Report: The Flyers' Asking Price For Scott Laughton From the Maple Leafs Revealed |
|
18 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram William Nylander Reveals Why He Chose to Represent Sweden Despite Being Born in Canada |