Leafs Forward Rewarded by Head Coach Craig Berube For Tremendous Play in Game 1

The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off of a dominant 6-2 victory in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Ottawa Senators.

While several Leafs had standout performances, one player in particular stole the spotlight, as 22-year-old Matthew Knies has clearly taken a major step forward this season.

Hockey reporter Kyle Cushman highlighted the dramatic change in Knies' role from last year to this year in a tweet replying to Mark Masters. The theme of the reply? Knies really earning the trust of his new head coach:

Knies has made his presence felt this season, tallying 29 goals and 58 points over 78 games, all career highs. But, beyond the numbers, it's his growth and maturity that stand out.

He's been praised as a great teammate, recently sharing how important it was to help Mitch Marner reach the 100-point mark, showing his unselfishness and leadership.

Knies has also grown more comfortable in front of the media, confidently speaking about opponents, and consistently backing up his words with strong performances, showcasing his determination and grit. He's proving that he has both the skill and the mental edge to thrive under playoff pressure.

Matthew Knies and the Maple Leafs will look to build on their Game 1 success this Tuesday as they aim to take a 2-0 lead in the series against the Senators.