Sheldon Keefe addresses speculation about tension between him and Michael Bunting
As fans watching a hockey game at home, it's easy for us to misinterpret something that happens during the game since a narrative tends to be created for us through the broadcast. This happened last week during the Leafs' 6-2 win over the Panthers last Thursday when it seemed Auston Matthews got hurt. The broadcasters thought he might have been nursing an injury to his hand, an injury he's dealt with this season, but luckily, that wasn't the case.
It was an honest mistake thinking Matthews could have hurt his hand again. With the broadcasters talking about a potential injury, Leaf fans panicked before learning what had actually happened - being that the puck simply struck Matthews in a sensitive area.
Another misinterpretation happened again during Sunday's game against Nashville. Michael Bunting completely ignored Sheldon Keefe as the Leafs' head coach tried to talk to him on the bench. Bunting did not see another shift in the game.
Bunting touched on the ordeal today following practice, stating that he and the bench boss have a good relationship. Keefe has since commented on the situation as well:
The interaction between Keefe and Bunting seems like a non-issue based on both of their comments, and it shows how easily things can be blown out of proportion. Nonetheless, even if there were issues between the two, I'm sure they'd be dealt with privately and that the media would not be privy to it.
