Interesting Remarks From Craig Berube Directed Towards Leafs Winger Matthew Knies

One final game awaits the Maple Leafs this evening, as the team will close out their season, hopefully on a winning note, against the Detroit Red Wings.

The Leafs already know their 1st round opponents, as the Ottawa Senators await. In fact, the dates of all 7 games have been set, even before the season comes to a close.

One of the main reasons why the Leafs were able to secure their first ever Atlantic Division title was the emergence of sophomore winger Matthew Knies, who has put up 29 goals and 56 points in 77 games.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube sung Knies' praises on Thursday, calling him the biggest surprise on the team this season, before ultimately conceding that perhaps he's not so surprised, given the obvious skill that the young winger possesses.

The Leafs have a tall task ahead in their first round series against the Ottawa Senators. Brady Tkachuk poses the most obvious threat, since the Leafs don't exactly have an ample supply of gritty forwards in the top six who are able to counteract what Tkachuk brings to the table. Knies may represent the closest thing they have to that.

A big season from Knies was perhaps the difference between winning and losing the division crown in the regular season. A big playoffs from Knies may very well be the difference between another early exit and a lengthy playoff run. Let's hope he can continue to surprise, not only his head coach, but the rest of the hockey world as well.