Sheldon Keefe comments on 5th loss in 6 games, saying whatever he can to save his job in Toronto
After spotting the Vancouver Canucks a 3-0 lead in the first period Saturday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs battled back and tied the game in the second frame. Unfortunately, their inability to capitalize on the powerplay, going 0-5 on the night and prevent the Canucks from scoring on their powerplays led to a 6-4 defeat.
It was the Leafs fifth loss in their last six games and fourth in regulation. The collection of just 3 of a possible 12 points over their last six games has many asking for Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe to be fired. Keefe is likely aware of the public heat, and following the game, had a reality check for his club.
When pressed for comment on what he can take away from last night's loss in Vancouver, Keefe, very bluntly, said "zero points". Needless to say, that statement is accurate.
Keefe also touched on the fact that the slow starts have led to the Leafs being in the Wild Card race rather than near the top of the division. He also commented on his team being "real close to playing at a very high level".
The Leafs are currently just one point up on the Detroit Red Wings for the first wild card spot and one point back of the Tampa Bay Lightning for third in the Atlantic with 52 points. If you add those extra five or ten points Keefe is talking about, the Leafs would comfortably in second or third in the Atlantic and be just 3 points behind the Boston Bruins for the division lead. Unfortunately, that isn't the case and the Leafs are literally fighting for their playoff lives at the moment.
Sheldon Keefe is undoubtedly feeling his seat getting hotter and hotter at the moment. If the Leafs drop another game tonight, it's anyone's guess what will occur. I don't think anyone would be shocked to see the Leafs fire Keefe at this point and judging by his comments last night, Keefe is saying whatever he can in an attempt to buy himself some more time and save his job.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 21 | 901 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe comments on 5th loss in 6 games, saying whatever he can to save his job in Toronto Will the Leafs fire Keefe if they lose to Seattle? | ||
| Yes | 560 | 62.2 % |
| No | 341 | 37.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
