With Thursday night’s series-clinching win over the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs kept their perfect playoff record against their provincial rivals intact. It wasn’t easy — Ottawa proved to be as scrappy and determined as advertised. But the Maple Leafs got a surprise or two that helped them get the job done in six games and are now set for a high-stakes rematch with the Florida Panthers.
While the stars made their presence known, what really stood out in this series were the contributions from new faces and unexpected sources. These “pleasant surprises” didn’t just round out the Maple Leafs’ play — they helped define it. Here are three standout stories from Round One that deserve a closer look.
Surprise 1. Simon Benoit’s Unexpected Impact
Coming into the playoffs, few would’ve circled Simon Benoit as a key contributor. But the Maple Leafs’ sixth defenseman delivered a solid performance.
Not only did Benoit assist on Max Domi’s overtime winner in Game 2, but he followed it up with an overtime winner of his own in Game 3 — a game that effectively put a stranglehold on the series. It’s not just about points, either. Benoit’s low-risk, physical game fit the playoff mold perfectly. He finished the series with an even plus-minus and the same expected goals against as Morgan Rielly, according to Natural Stat Trick.
He really stood out in the physicality department: Benoit’s 19 hits led all Maple Leafs defensemen and ranked third on the team overall (via MoneyPuck). His only flaw? Discipline. Benoit racked up a team-high eight penalty minutes — a dangerous trend for a team still patchy on the penalty kill. Still, for a depth defenseman, Benoit was a tone-setter.
Surprise 2. Matthew Knies Becomes a Maple Leafs Power Forward
While Matthew Knies showed flashes last season, this year’s playoffs marked his real arrival. The 22-year-old forward finished the first round with three goals — tied for the team lead — and ranked second among all Toronto skaters in expected goals at 5-on-5 (4.25), per Natural Stat Trick.
But it wasn’t just the offense. Knies brought bite. From heavy forechecking hits to standing up to Ridly Greig and dishing out a punishing hit on Shane Pinto, Knies played with an edge Toronto hasn’t always had in its top nine.
This mix of skill and sandpaper is exactly what the team will need more of in Round Two. Florida plays fast and physical, and Knies’ willingness to battle through contact makes him a valuable asset heading into what’s sure to be a bruising series.
Surprise 3. The Fourth Line Found Its Identity — and Kept It
Toronto’s bottom six has often been a puzzle in the playoffs, but this year, the fourth line finally clicked. The trio of Scott Laughton, Steven Lorentz, and Calle Järnkrok delivered the kind of reliable, gritty minutes that coaches dream about in postseason hockey.
They didn’t just survive their shifts — they excelled. According to Natural Stat Trick, the line owned the best shot attempt share (53.85%) among Maple Leafs lines and led all forwards in penalties drawn (10).
After years of fourth lines that failed to move the needle, this one is doing exactly what it’s supposed to: wearing down the opposition and turning the ice in Toronto’s favor. Against a team like Florida that thrives on depth and energy, the continued success of this line could be a critical factor.
The Bottom Line: These Surprises Must Become Maple Leafs Standards
Pleasant surprises are great, but now the team needs consistency. Benoit’s grit, Knies’ power-forward presence, and the fourth line’s spark can’t be Round One stories alone. These elements will be vital against the deeper, nastier Florida Panthers and are not optional.
If Toronto wants to advance past the second round for the first time in 21 years, these “surprises” must become the foundation.
Related: Simon Benoit’s Astounding Growth with the Maple Leafs
