Max Domi's Thunderous Hit on Denton Mateychuk Sends a Clear Message in Toronto

With the playoffs now just a couple of short weeks away, teams are beginning to get dialed in and prepare themselves, physically and mentally, for the grind that is the 16-win gauntlet to pave the way to a Stanley Cup.

For the Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have recently been praised for their willingness to adapt their playstyle to one that should transition well to playoff hockey.

Matthew Knies also earned the praise of head coach Craig Berube, who clearly established this weekend that his sophomore winger is already playing playoff hockey.

However, there's another player who is also ramping up his efforts and appearing more playoff-ready, and he's not getting enough credit.

Max Domi has been playing playoff hockey for some time now, stemming back to a violent hit on Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe in the middle of March.

This past weekend, Domi did it again, lining up and obliterating budding, young Blue Jackets star Denton Mateychuk in open ice in similar fashion.

These hits are of the highlight reel variety, sure, but they don't show the whole story for Domi, who has picked up the intensity, is playing better down the middle than ever before, and who should be viewed as a potential x-factor for the Leafs come playoff time.

A few weeks ago, the biggest need in Toronto was a 3rd line centre, which is why Brad Treliving went out and traded for Scott Laughton. However, with how well Domi has adjusted to the position, the Leafs have not been utilizing Laughton in that way, mostly playing him on the wing instead.

Domi is a player who is built for the playoffs. He's strong on his skates, can make dynamic plays with the puck, is an excellent passer and has a mean streak in him and a short fuse that few other Leafs possess. He's going to be a lot of fun to watch in his first postseason under Craig Berube.