The Toronto Maple Leafs face a tough road ahead as they prepare for a decisive Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. With starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz already sidelined due to a head injury, the team is now dealing with potential absences from forward Matthew Knies. The 22-year-old, who has been a vibrant part of the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, suffered a hard hit from Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola during Game 6. Although he managed to finish the game, his performance diminished significantly, logging only 13:01 of ice time compared to the over 21 minutes for Marner. Coach Craig Berube expressed uncertainty regarding Knies' availability for Game 7 as he deals with an undisclosed injury, possibly concerning his shoulder or ribs.

With the stakes high, the Leafs need all hands on deck if they hope to overcome the Panthers and advance in the playoffs. The loss of key players could significantly impact their offensive capabilities, especially with the Panthers showing strength in their previous matchups. The outcome of Game 7 will rely not only on the health of these players but also on the readiness of their supporting cast to step up in critical moments.