Scenes from Leafs’ morning skate: Knies will play Game 7 vs. Panthers, Tkachuk praises Matthews

Matthew Tkachuk offers his thoughts on Game 7

Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk with media prior to his team’s morning skate Sunday. Tkachuk spoke at length about the thrill of playing in an elimination game, while offering praise to the Maple Leafs.

“Our game is built for this type of game. We talk about it all year, we talk about it in training camp: what are you going to do to build your game for Game 7? We have to show that off tonight. It’s finally here.”

Tkachuk also offered a rave review of Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Matthews and Tkachuk were teammates for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this season, and while there won’t be any friendships once the puck drops, there appears to be some mutual admiration.

“I think he’s been playing really well this whole series,” Tkachuk said of Matthews. “He’s a force at both ends. And I got to see his leadership at the 4 Nations and how he leads by example. I wouldn’t say he’s the most vocal in the room, but when he says something, everyone’s listening. He’s a big presence in the room, that’s one thing I learned a lot. He’s obviously one of the best players in the world, and I think he’s been great this series. It’s tough to shut down a player like that, so it’s going to take all five guys, all four lines, all six D. We’re playing on the road, so it’s going to take everybody tonight. He’s one of the best in the world, so we have our work cut out for us.”

Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Panthers

Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner

Pontus Holmberg-John Tavares-William Nylander

Bobby McMann-Max Domi-Max Pacioretty

Steven Lorentz-Scott Laughton-Calle Jarnkrok

Jake McCabe-Chris Tanev

Morgan Rielly-Brandon Carlo

Simon Benoit-Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Joseph Woll (projected starter)

Matt Murray

Dennis Hildeby