Berube Highlights Knies’ Breakthrough Season as Maple Leafs Secure Critical Win

Toronto’s Momentum Continues Following Overtime Victory

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube addressed the media following a hard-fought 4-3 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. The win propelled the Leafs to a 48-26-4 record and extended their lead in the Atlantic Division to three points with just four games remaining in the regular season. Berube emphasized the team’s resilience and highlighted the remarkable development of forward Matthew Knies.

A Strong Start and Defensive Grit

“The first period was good. We had a good early pace to our game and grabbed an early lead,” Berube stated. “Our team battled in the interior of the ice tonight with shot blocks and were hard around our net. That’s the kind of effort we need to maintain consistently.”

The second period proved more challenging, as the Lightning mounted a strong counterattack. “In the second period, I thought they were the better team. They came at us pretty good, but the goalie was good, and we battled around the interior of the ice.”

Knies’ Exceptional Performance

The focal point of the post-game discussion centered on Matthew Knies’ hat-trick performance, a truly remarkable sophomore-season surge. Berube acknowledged Knies’ contributions, saying, “That line was really good tonight. They started the game with work, battling, and compete. They got us a couple of goals early.”

“Knies does what he does. He is around the net scoring goals. That is his game. His work ethic and how strong he is as a player really came through tonight.”

KNIES OVERTIME WINNER AND HAT TRICK GOAL! Courtesy of @Bonsie1951 and @Jim_Ralph pic.twitter.com/7XjmYMtGXR

— Maple Leafs Hotstove (@LeafsNews) April 10, 2025

A Rare Sophomore Leap

When asked if he’d ever witnessed a player experience such a significant jump in production in his second NHL season, Berube paused thoughtfully. “Not really. It is impressive. I came in here not knowing a whole lot about him. You see him at camp, and you start to learn about him. Again, he has grown tremendously throughout the season.”

“MATTHEW KNIES JAMS IT HOME!”

Knies 28th of the Season vs Lightning courtesy of @Bonsie1951 and @Jim_Ralph pic.twitter.com/0Yt1ALIJ9T

— Maple Leafs Hotstove (@LeafsNews) April 9, 2025

An Unconventional Play, Bold Confidence

Berube then addressed a particularly memorable moment – Knies’ between-the-legs pass in overtime that set up the game-winning goal. “I am not sure I recommend that play, but guys try things. Didn’t he try the Michigan the other night?” He added with a smile, “He has confidence right now and is playing with a lot of confidence, which is good. The reason for his success is his competitiveness, in my opinion. It is really, really high-end. He wins battles. He skates through people all night. He gets in there on the forecheck. He wins battles down low. He hangs onto pucks. He’s a highly competitive player.”

Knies 27th of the Season vs Lightning courtesy of @Bonsie1951 and @Jim_Ralph pic.twitter.com/1q98hpbMTr

— Maple Leafs Hotstove (@LeafsNews) April 9, 2025

Stolarz’s Solid Performance

Berube also commended Anthony Stolarz for his stellar performance in net. “He was excellent tonight. He had to be. I thought we went to the box too much tonight, too, and they are a very dangerous power play. Stoly, again, is playing with a lot of confidence. He trusts his ability. He made big saves for us — not only in overtime but throughout the night.”

Penalty Considerations

Regarding the team’s four penalties, Berube noted, “The Bobby McMann one — I really didn’t see it, to be honest with you. I really didn’t get a good look at it. Penalties are penalties. I am not going to sit here and complain about them. I felt like we could’ve got some more calls, too, when watching out there tonight. It didn’t happen.”

Looking Ahead

Finally, Berube addressed the team’s focus as they head into the final four games of the regular season. “I think he has handled it pretty well. You just have to make sure that when you are going out there shift to shift, you are doing what is best for the team. That is the bottom line. We have guys who are close to certain [achievements], but just do what is best for the team.”