Keefe gives update on Knies and Samsonov for Game 5

In case you missed it last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs finally, mercifully, won a second round playoff game for the first time since 2004.

The Leafs managed a 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of their second round series to keep their season alive. The Leafs are now down 3-1 in the series and must win out the series in order to keep their season going. A tough task, no doubt, but yesterday evening the team put forward their best effort in the entire series. The Leafs gave us all a glimpse of what they're capable of last night and proved that they have the ability to claw their way back into this series. As they say in the corporate world the Leafs are 'trending in the right direction'. 

Another positive development for the Leafs is the health of rookie forward Matthew Knies. The young forward has been sidelined with a concussion after getting body slammed by Panthers forward Sam Bennett earlier in the series.

Remember this?

Well, TSN insider Darren Dreger now reports that Knies is feeling better and could factor into plans for Game 5 if needed. Then again, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe may elect to keep his lineup intact even if Knies is cleared to play.

More from Dreger:

Personally, I think Knies has to go back into the lineup the second he's ready. No sense time to 'big brain' any lineup decisions, just go with your best players and let the chips fall where they may. That's my opinion... we'll see how things play out.

UPDATE: Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe told the media this morning that Knies will NOT be available for Game 5, even though he's making progress in his recovery.

As for goalie Ilya Samsonov, he also isn't available for Game 5. It looks like Joseph Woll will start with veteran Matt Murray backing him up.

Hero time once again for Woll. Let's go!