Maple Leafs’ Matthews Knies Exits Game After Big Hit – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud took a hit on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies during Wednesday’s games, sparking widespread debate over whether the hit was clean or dirty to the head. The check sent Knies to the locker room, and the Maple Leafs later confirmed he would not return to the game.

Maple Leafs F Matthew Knies (upper body) will not return to tonight’s game.

– Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) November 21, 2024

The referees initially explored a possible major penalty to review the play but eventually reduced it to the point where no penalty was applied to the tackle itself. Whitecloud received less than two minutes for fouling after the review, but the Maple Leafs also received penalties for the scuffle, which led to the Golden Knights’ power play.

In the end, the Leafs ended up killing the penalty and as of this writing, the Maple Leafs lead 3-0 with just over three minutes left in the third period.

Was Hit on Knees clean or dirty?

Opinions about the song are divided. Critics said Whitecloud’s hit went straight to Knies’ head, questioning how it differed from Ryan Reaves’ recent suspension-worthy hit on Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. Others, including the Sportsnet team, suggested the hit came from the body, noting that Whitecloud’s elbow remained stuck and his feet left the ice due to the force of the impact.

Hope Knies is only out for this game and nothing more. The Leafs have already been hit hard by injuries and can’t really afford to lose another forward.

Meanwhile, the hit is sure to only add to the controversy surrounding the NHL’s approach to head contact and player safety. Fans, especially Leafs Nation, will complain about the consistency in decision-making that has become the norm in this league.