Matthew Knies’ breakout performance carried the Toronto Maple Leafs past the Boston Bruins in a thrilling 6-4 victory on Saturday night. Knies scored three goals and added two assists, while Mitch Marner added a goal and four assists, leading Toronto’s dynamic top line as they dominated the game.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Knies Scores Hat Trick in 6-4 Win Over Bruins
Auston Matthews returned with a bang after missing six games with an upper-body injury, contributing a goal and two assists. Jake McCabe chipped in a goal and an assist, and Joseph Woll was better than his numbers suggest, with 27 saves. The Bruins didn’t quit, but then, neither did the Maple Leafs. Toronto’s first line was the difference.
Item 1: Matthew Knies’ 5-Point Night Includes First Hat Trick
Knies delivered a breakout game against the Bruins on Saturday, recording three goals and five points. The 21-year-old winger not only notched his first NHL hat trick but also snapped a five-game point drought and a nine-game goal-scoring slump. His offensive explosion came with the return of linemate Auston Matthews, who had been out with an upper-body injury. With Matthews back in the lineup, Knies thrived. He showed his finishing touch and undeniable chemistry with Toronto’s top line.
Knies was particularly strong in the third period, where his goals were the tipping points in his team’s win. At 5:28 of the final period, he positioned himself perfectly in front of the net to convert a slick assist from Matthews for his 14th goal of the season. The score broke a 3-3 tie and swung momentum firmly in Toronto’s favor.
Related: Ex-Maple Leafs Frederik “Goat” Gauthier: Where is He Now?
Knies looks like a fixture on Toronto’s top line with Matthews and Mitch Marner. He might not replicate this five-point game often. Still, the young winger has grown capable of generating consistent offense alongside two of the NHL’s most dynamic playmakers.
Item 2: Auston Matthews’ Return Made an Impact
After missing six games with an injury, Matthews put an exclamation point on his return in last night’s win over the Bruins. The star center scored a goal and added two assists, showing his elite offensive power and physical readiness for game action. Matthews’ two assists showed his knack for creating chances in high-danger areas, while his empty-net goal in the final minute…
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