Matthew Knies Backs Up His Words with Hat Trick in Leafs’ Most Crucial Win of the Season

Just 24 hours after calling out his team for a “soft” performance, Matthew Knies answered his own challenge — and then some.

The 21-year-old power forward delivered a career-defining hat trick, capped off by a showstopping overtime winner to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 4-3 road victory over the rival Tampa Bay Lightning. In what many are calling the team’s biggest win of the season, Knies not only helped secure a season sweep of Tampa but also likely locked up the Atlantic Division’s top seed.

“I was just hopping on the ice and couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said Auston Matthews, who assisted on the dramatic game-winner. “It was art.”

The highlight-reel goal , set up by a no-look, between-the-legs pass to Morgan Rielly before Knies found open ice and buried a Matthews feed , left fans and teammates in awe. Even head coach Craig Berube, who admitted the bold pass wasn’t drawn up, couldn’t hide his admiration: “I’m not sure I recommend that play,” he smiled, before hugging his OT hero. “But guys try things. He’s got confidence right now.”

Knies certainly does.

The night before his heroics, he stood in front of media and called out the team’s lack of energy after a flat loss to the Panthers. Then he brought the fire himself , leading the Leafs’ top line with three goals, a plus-3 rating, and setting the tone alongside Matthews (three assists) and Mitch Marner (a goal and two helpers).

“We brought a lot of energy in the first five minutes,” Knies said. “That’s the kind of effort we’ll need come playoff time ,providing those big moments.”

Knies also didn’t shy away from physical play, chirping Tampa defenseman Erik Cernak while winning battles in tight. His competitive drive was on full display, something Berube credited as the engine behind his success.

“He skates through people, gets in there on the forecheck, and just wins battles all night,” Berube said. “He’s a highly competitive player.”

It’s a continuation of the playoff-ready form Knies showed during last season’s series against Boston, and now with 29 goals and 55 points, he’s firmly entrenched as a top-line force in Toronto.

“He knows who he is,” said Matthews. “He brings confidence, personality, and a lot of laughs to the room. He’s just going to keep getting better.”

The Leafs’ performance wasn’t just about offense. They blocked a franchise-record 33 shots, with goaltender Anthony Stolarz delivering timely saves to keep the game within reach.

For Knies, the win was sweet but the way it happened made it unforgettable.

“I’m not sure what I was thinking on that last play,” Knies said with a grin. “Just thought I’d try it. Saw the defenseman flip his hips, and the lane was open. So I went for it.”

When you’re playing with this much confidence, sometimes you don’t think.

You just deliver.