A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having a U-shaped frame, an anvil assembly, and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a knife that is movable between retracted and advanced positions. The anvil assembly is supported on the distal frame portion and includes a cutting plate and an anvil plate. The cutting plate is positioned between the distal frame portion and the anvil plate and is engaged by the knife as the knife moves from the retracted position towards the advanced position. The cutting plate is formed of a material that deforms locally and structurally upon engagement with the knife.