Leafs coach praises an unsung hero on the team
Ahead of their matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night, the media had a chance to speak with Sheldon Keefe after the morning skate. One key takeaway from the interview came through his praise for an unsung hero on the team, one that not all Leafs fans may have expected.
In his answer, Keefe acknowledges that defenseman Justin Holl takes a lot of heat as he certainly isn't always praised for his play in the harsh Toronto media. With the injuries to the Leafs blueline, Holl has been one of the only familiar faces that has remained healthy.
Although his significance hasn't necessarily shown on the scoresheet, totaling just two points in twenty-seven games, Holl has been crucial in holding the blueline together and keeping the Buds on the right track, playing big minutes at 5v5 and on the PK.
Holl has played a pivotal role in the Leafs winning six of their last seven games, most of which have been against very good NHL teams. In that stretch of games, the Leafs have looked stellar on the defensive end of the puck, outscoring their opponents 25-11.
In his comment, Keefe is looking at the bigger picture. A few poor decisions do not tell the whole story, and with that, Holl has proved himself and what he brings to this Leafs lineup in the absence of many of the top guys within their defensive corps.
Holl and the Leafs will look to build off their win against the Stars on Tuesday night and avenge themselves for their early season loss against the Los Angeles Kings, this time on home ice at Scotiabank Arena.
| POLL | ||
8 DECEMBRE | 268 ANSWERS Leafs coach praises an unsung hero on the team How would you feel if the Leafs offered Justin Holl a contract extension this summer? | ||
| I'd be fine with it | 81 | 30.2 % |
| I'd hate it | 82 | 30.6 % |
| It depends on the cap hit and the term | 105 | 39.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
