Keefe calls out core 4 after loss to Coyotes
Auston Matthews has two points in four games so far this season when he should have about 6 or 7. William Nylander has 4, but has failed to capitalize on a number of breakaways already, while Mitch Marner spends more time spinning in circles trying to deke through everyone instead of making the simple play. Then there is John Tavares who has 5 points in his first 4 games but, at times, looks like a guy still recovering from a training camp injury.
While the Leafs' "Core 4" are playing at a point-per-game pace, aside from Matthews right now, they have been absolutely horrendous on the powerplay and at times defensively. The powerplay is 3 for 14 and last night they could hardly find their way into the Coyotes' zone. For having such an elite group of players, particularly on the first powerplay unit, it was embarrassing and the "booing" they received at the end of the 2nd period was absolutely deserved.
After tying the game late, the Leafs once again gave up the game-winning goal with less than 2 minutes to play. Post-game, Sheldon Keefe did not mince words when it came to his star forwards saying, "The difference between us and Arizona is that we have elite players. And our elite players didn't play like elite players."
Those are some harsh words from the Leafs' bench boss but there's no doubt that they have been earned, given the lack of performance at critical moments to start the season. The Leafs have two days off to think about Monday's turn of events before taking on the Dallas Stars at SBA on Thursday, so expect the blender to come out at practice for line combinations the next couple days.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 18 | 232 ANSWERS Keefe calls out core 4 after loss to Coyotes What is your level of concern through 4 games to start the season? | ||
| We'll be fine | 60 | 25.9 % |
| It's a bit worrisome | 65 | 28 % |
| A big shake-up is needed | 50 | 21.6 % |
| We're destined for failure again | 57 | 24.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
