Leafs forward reveals the extent of the damage done after taking high-stick to the face, touches on Keefe having his back
Near the end of the third period of Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Blues, Leafs winger Zach Aston-Reese took a nasty high-stick to the face from Blues winger Brandon Saad, which left Aston-Reese bloodied and in need of medical attention. In case you missed the play, here it is:
Despite the very clear infraction, referee Wes McCauley did not award the Leafs a double-minor or even a single 2-minute minor, allowing the Blues to escape the infraction completely unscathed. It was one of a number of missed calls in the game and Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was on the officials all night for their questionable decision-making. He really let McCauley have it after the high-stick and it's something Aston-Reese appreciated.
Following this morning's game-day skate in Arizona, Aston-Reese had a chance to speak with the media. He touched on Keefe going to bat for him and also revealed that it took 8-10 stitches in his mouth to close the wound. He and the rest of the guys on the team appreciated Keefe's fire and passion during the game.
"It's good to see. I actually thanked him this morning for sticking up for me like that. At the same time, it's sticking up for the team."
-Aston-Reese on Sheldon Keefe having his back, verbally torching the officials after missed call
Keefe was issued a $25,000 fine for his tongue-lashing of the officials during Tuesday's game. I'm sure the team will make sure he isn't paying for his own drinks for awhile.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 29 | 327 ANSWERS Leafs forward reveals the extent of the damage done after taking high-stick to the face, touches on Keefe having his back What did you think of Keefe's verbal assault on the officials after the missed high-sticking call? |
Loved the passion | 210 | 64.2 % |
It was over the top | 15 | 4.6 % |
It wasn't nearly enough | 90 | 27.5 % |
Don't care | 12 | 3.7 % |
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