Matthew Knies & the Maple Leafs get good news after Zach Whitecloud's dirty hit
The Toronto Maple Leafs' victory over the Vegas Golden Knights came with some concerns after Zach Whitecloud's controversial hit forced Matthew Knies to leave the game.
The hit initially earned a major penalty but was downgraded to a minor penalty after the referee reviewed it.
Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit received a double minor for roughing after confronting Zach Whitecloud, which left the Leafs shorthanded.
Despite the situation, the Toronto Maple Leafs killed the penalty and used the incident to fuel their performance and grab the win.
The NHL Department of Player Safety later ruled the hit legal by citing that while head contact occurred, it was not the primary point of impact.
Reactions were divided, with Benoit criticizing the hit as dangerous and coach Craig Berube defending it as:
Knies' absence adds to Toronto's growing injury list, which includes Auston Matthews, Max Domi, Max Pacioretty, Calle Jarnkrok and David Kämpf.
Knies has been one of the best Leafs players this season with eight goals so far and his recovery will be crucial for the Leafs, who are down seven regular forwards.
But even with the multiple injuries, the Toronto's depth showed themself against Vegas.
Toronto's depth will be tested again as they await updates on Knies and Matthews who both continues their recovery.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 22 | 327 ANSWERS Matthew Knies & the Maple Leafs get good news after Zach Whitecloud's dirty hit Do you think Zac Whitecloud should have been suspended for his hit on Matthew Knies? | ||
| Yes | 305 | 93.3 % |
| No | 22 | 6.7 % |
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