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Now is the time for the real Spurs to stand up … but what is that exactly? | David Hytner

Ange Postecoglou believes pressure can bring the best out of his Tottenham team ahead of their second leg with AZ

When Ange Postecoglou does not like a question, usually from a broadcast journalist, he lets them know in pretty short order, latent hostility to the fore. The one he fielded on Wednesday was always coming.

Tottenham’s season will be on the line on Thursday night when they face AZ Alkmaar at home in the second leg of the Europa League last 16, trailing 1-0 from the first. And after the season Spurs have had, Postecoglou’s second at the club, it is plain that he could really do with a result. So, Ange, win or bust for the season and also for you and your project. How do you feel about that?

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‘I Just Wanted To Get Back At Him’: Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies Explains Thought Process Behind Fight With Golden Knights’ Zach Whitecloud

Jan 9, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) looks on before the start of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Matthew Knies didn’t waste any time settling the score with Zach Whitecloud on March 5.

Just four seconds into the Toronto Maple Leafs' last matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, the 22-year-old forward dropped the gloves for the second time in his career, throwing a series of heavy left-handed punches before both players hit the ice.

Returning home after a three-game road trip, Knies had the chance to reflect on the fight following Wednesday’s practice. 

He explained that the decision to engage Whitecloud was premeditated, stemming from a hit he took back on November 20 that forced him to miss two games with an upper-body injury. His head hit the ice after being on the receiving end of a high hit from the Golden Knights defenseman.

Matthew Knies Leaves Maple Leafs Game And Didn't Return After Getting Hit By Golden Knights Defenseman Zach Whitecloud, Review Deems Hit CleanMatthew Knies Leaves Maple Leafs Game And Didn't Return After Getting Hit By Golden Knights Defenseman Zach Whitecloud, Review Deems Hit CleanKnies appeared dazed after his head hit the ice as he came down from the hit.

“I think it just kind of lined up perfectly that we were both starting, and I thought I'd ask him and kind of get it out of the way early,” Knies said. “I just kind of earned some respect there, and I just wanted to get back at him a little bit for the hit.”

The fight was one that his teammates and head coach fully supported.

Mitch Marner also revealed post-game that Knies had informed team members beforehand that he intended to square off with Whitecloud if the opportunity presented itself.

And it did. 

“He told us he was going to see if he could get that, obviously with the hit that happened the last time that we played them,” Marner explained. “He kind of gave us the heads up, so we didn’t know if it was going to happen or not. Great fight by Kniesy.”

With that, he's sent a clear message to opponents to be ready to answer the bell.

Craig Berube, a former enforcer in his playing days, also commended Knies for standing up for himself.

“I think going back to that hit, he wanted some redemption,” said Berube. “I give him a lot of credit to do that and get it out of the way early and then go play hockey.”

‘He Wanted Some Redemption’: Maple Leafs React To Matthew Knies Dropping The Gloves With Zach Whitecloud In Meeting With Golden Knights‘He Wanted Some Redemption’: Maple Leafs React To Matthew Knies Dropping The Gloves With Zach Whitecloud In Meeting With Golden KnightsMatthew Knies wasted no time making a statement on Wednesday night.

Knies said after practice at Ford Performance Centre that although he has not been paying attention to fan reactions to the fight, he was pleased to hear it was well-received.

“No, I haven’t. Not really, no,” Knies admitted when asked if he had seen the response. When told it was rather beloved by fans, he responded, “That’s good to hear.”

Knies continues to establish himself as a crucial part of the Maple Leafs' future, growing into a physical, two-way presence with the ability to make an impact in all areas of the game. At 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, Knies has embraced the power forward style of play, quickly molding into his own.

In his second full season with the organization, the Phoenix, AZ., native has 24 goals, 19 assists, and 43 points in 60 games.

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