Keefe sounds off on the Leafs' lack of effort against non-playoff teams
The Leafs put forth another poor effort against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. Buffalo swept the season series with the win and took a very important two points from the Leafs as they continue to battle for home ice in the playoffs.
The entire season, the Leafs have struggled against non-playoff teams with losses to the likes of Ottawa, Montreal and Arizona to name a few and have the lowest win % against non-playoff teams among all Atlantic Division contenders.
In reference to the Leafs' struggles against the league's bottom-feeders, Keefe pointed out that winning their division was well within reach with better efforts against inferior opponents.
"That's four games against this team. We have been no-shows in all four."
Sheldon Keefe on the Leafs being dominated by a weaker team
It's obvious that a contending team isn't going to win every game against every basement team, but there's no reason to get swept in a season series by a team that the Leafs are much better than. It has been a struggle for years and regardless of players and coaches, the Leafs always find a way to play down to the level of these non-playoff teams instead of playing the at the level they are capable of.
Hopefully the Leafs find a way to rebound for Thursdays game against the Capitals. Campbell will start Thursday, but no other lineup changes have been announced yet. The Leafs do not practice tomorrow so we won't find out until Thursday morning.
| POLL | ||
13 AVRIL | 165 ANSWERS Keefe sounds off on the Leafs' lack of effort against non-playoff teams Are the Leafs false contenders? | ||
| Yes, losing the season series to the Sabres shows | 73 | 44.2 % |
| No, they're fine | 92 | 55.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
