New Leafs Line Making Noise: Knies-Matthews-Cowan Line Producing Good Results

The Toronto Maple Leafs fell flat against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, but after unleashing rookie sensation Easton Cowan and instantly promoting him to the top line, the new-look top line is experiencing some early success.

Cowan was thrilled to be added to the lineup on Monday after sitting out the two previous games for the Leafs. He had a number of friends and family in attendance at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and even took a solo rookie lap before the game in front of them.

Through two periods of play, the Leafs appear to be getting solid results from the Knies-Matthews-Cowan line, as Sportsnet's Luke Fox has confirmed that the trio have outshot the Red Wings 8-0 when they were on the ice together through 40 minutes.

Granted, shots and goals are two entirely different things, and the Knies-Matthews-Cowan line will need to translate their offensive opportunities into goals for any of this to truly matter.

Cowan was an offensive juggernaut for the OHL's London Knights during their most recent playoff run, tallying 13 goals and 39 points in just 17 postseason contests en route to a Memorial Cup victory.

Matthew Knies came to within a hair of scoring 30 goals, finishing with 29 tallies in just his 2nd NHL season, and the Maple Leafs clearly believe he can continue to grow offensively, as they recently awarded him a substantial new contract extension.

Auston Matthews' goal scoring prowess is well-known, and while the Leafs captain struggled last season, producing the lowest goal total of his career, he is just one season removed from a 69-goal campaign, so there's reason to believe that this group can absolutely get it done on the scoresheet.

The early returns have been rock solid and have given the Leafs something to consider moving forward. Cowan may be young and inexperienced, but the impact he has had on the top line thus far is undeniable.