Maple Leafs’ Keefe endorses Knies but faces tricky lineup call with Bunting back

TAMPA – As Sheldon Keefe takes his time to contemplate his first delicate lineup decision of these playoffs, one name is already in stone for Game 5.

“Matthew Knies is certainly not coming out of the lineup,” the Toronto Maple Leafs coach asserted Tuesday morning, before hopping the club charter back to Canada.

“He’s done a terrific job for us. So, he’s a guy who’s earned his spot and the opportunity to continue to play for us there.”

Safe (superstitious?) thinking dictates never mess with a winning lineup, and the Maple Leafs have now defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning three games in a row starting the exact same lineup.

That lineup that does not include regular top-six left wing Michael Bunting, who was ejected from Game 1’s blowout loss and later suspended three games for delivering an illegal check to the head of Erik Cernak. (Cernak has not skated since, he's already been ruled out for Game 5, and his absence has left a gaping hole on the Lightning’s blue line.)

Well, an antsy Bunting has served his time and will be available to come out of the press box for Thursday’s elimination game.

Does Bunting get healthy scratched?

If not, who comes out?

Not 20-year-old Knies, who made an incredible goal-line save Monday and whom Keefe tapped to hop over the boards in Game 3’s desperate, game-tying 6-on-5 push (in favour of John Tavares no less).

“I’m a little more mature than I thought I was, coming out of school,” Knies said. “I think I’ve composed myself pretty well.”

Not Alexander Kerfoot, who has played every single game for the Leafs this season and scored Game 4’s overtime winner — “a massive goal.”

Not Noel Acciari, who was built for this and has clutch goals in back-to-back games.

Essentially, the decision comes down to sit one of fourth-liners Sam Lafferty or Zach Aston-Reese, who have been outscored 2-1 in the series — or Bunting himself.

Keefe is noncommittal.

“So with Bunting being available, obviously he’s a very good player. He’s a good option for us because he’s a good player for us,” Keefe said.

“It's not as easy or as simple as a decision as it may have been earlier in the series. We're at a different time. So, we'll take our time here and sort through it. We've got a group of guys that have played real hard.”

Bunting is an impending free agent and has supplied incredible value with consecutive 23-goal campaigns for the Leafs. He also lost his temper and committed a nasty foul — which ultimately benefitted Toronto.

“I know Michael Bunting as well as anyone,” Keefe said curtly, following the suspension news. “I don’t have an issue in terms of trusting him when it comes to (illegal hits). He has no history of such things.”

Well, the Leafs have a recent history of winning without Bunting, whose game translates better to the top of the lineup.

Since Calle Jarnkrok got promoted to Bunting’s 1LW spot with Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner, they’ve been the Leafs’ best line.

And Knies sliding in on Ryan O’Reilly’s third unit has been so strong, he’s earned the occasional promotion even farther up the lineup.

The Leafs are outscoring the Bolts 4-1 with Knies on the ice.

“They see that I can make a difference,” Knies said. “It’s only going to go upwards.”

Keefe trusts the player, and the player is responding.

“He’s a really good coach,” says Knies. “He’s always in my ear about what I can do better, so that’s awesome. It’s always constructive criticism, which makes me a better player. It’s been wonderful to have him on my side.”