Sheldon Keefe drops a solid quote to help put everything into perspective before the playoffs
Sheldon Keefe has been around for parts of 4 seasons and has had the same end result at the end of each post-season; a first round defeat. Losing in Toronto can never be swept under the rug. The noise only gets louder when your team is a perennial contender, and it only gets worse when you can't seem to get over the first round hump, especially if you lose to underdogs like Columbus and Montreal.
Kyle Dubas knows about the pressure, Sheldon Keefe is very aware of the pressure, and the core of the Maple Leafs understand what is at hand this year. The livelihoods of their general manager, head coach, and some of their star players could be on the chopping block. Even with the pressure, Keefe is doing his best to keep a level head and enjoy the moment.
When asked about the pressure, Keefe dropped a solid quote to help put everything into perspective. You almost have to admire his outlook in such a volatile market.
With the Pittsburgh Penguins missing out on the spring dance for the first time in 17 years, the Maple Leafs now hold the longest active playoff streak alongside the Boston Bruins at 7 years. They've been in the conversation for a few years now and with the Lightning stumbling into the post-season and not playing the way we're used to seeing them play, this is their best opportunity to take advantage and further themselves in the playoffs.
It's not going to be easy because even if they do defeat the Lightning, they then have to face-off against the Boston Bruins, unless the Florida Panthers pull off the upset of the century - a story we have seen before.
The Leafs know what is at stake, Keefe has them playing a well-structured game that isn't just based on their top offensive players and they possess one of the deepest defenses in the league. Jam packed with star players and veteran leaders, the "privileged" Leafs need to take care of business once and for all, before the media jumps down their throats for the 7th consecutive season.
