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Despite 2-0-0 start, Keefe not pleased with Leafs' overall play

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Ryan Smitheram
October 16, 2023 (9:42)

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For the first time since pre-COVID, the Leafs have started the season 2-0-0. Despite their perfect start in the standings, the Leafs' first two games have been extremely sloppy and featured more back-and-forth than the coaching staff and goalies would like. Following last night's 7-4 win Sheldon Keefe expressed his displeasure with where the team is as a whole.

"We are going to continue to build our whole game. But is great to have these individual efforts like this. I don't want to use the term individual; there are other individuals contributing, of course, but Willy's goals [on Saturday] and Auston's goals [on Saturday] give us some breathing room while we are trying to find our game here. We are certainly still looking for it. It's early. That's all I can say. There's lots of areas in our game where want to get better."

Last season, the Leafs were a top-five defensive team, but through two games this year, they have been anything but. The high-scoring games can be attributed to changes in their defensive structure which they are still trying to adjust to. The Leafs' high-powered offense has bailed out their defensive gaffes in the first two games so far, but it's not something they will be able to do all 82 games. With Connor Bedard and the Hawks in town for a Monday night clash, they won't have much time to correct their mistakes.

The message has always been pretty clear from Keefe in terms of what he wants from his group. Take care of the puck. That means taking care of the puck in the offensive zone and not relinquishing possession, but also taking care of the puck in the defensive zone, winning battles, getting the puck back and executing proper, clean break out passes as the team transitions from defense to offense. So far, it's been easier said than done.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Auston Matthews publicly calls out the broader NHL media over reports that he ever wanted to leave Toronto

Former Leafs goalie gives up embarrassing goal after unfortunate blunder

Marlies winger Kyle Clifford becomes unhinged, goes after several different players before being ejected

POLL
16 OCTOBRE \| 71 ANSWERS Despite 2-0-0 start, Keefe not pleased with Leafs' overall play Can the Leafs clean things up defensively with the group they currently have or do they need to upgrade the back end?
I think they can clean it up	11	15.5 %
They definitely need an upgrade	58	81.7 %
I really don't know	2	2.8 %
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