Sheldon Keefe finally getting the acknowledgement he deserves after collecting points in 12 straight games
Toronto media can be overly critical and often produce very absurd views and takes on the Leafs, players and coaching staff - as they did when the Leafs struggled out of the gate. Yesterday on The FAN590, during their "Real Kyper and Bourne" show, however, Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne took a more positive note and actually offered praise to Sheldon Keefe and the Leafs.
The question was asked if this was the best coaching Sheldon Keefe has been responsible for since taking over for Mike Babcock. The response to the question was overwhelmingly positive.
"Yes it is... [Tuesday] night at even strength Dallas had the puck in the Leafs' zone way more than the Leafs had it in Dallas' zone. Even when they had it in the Leafs' zone they barely had an expected goal," said Bourne. He continued, "There were a lot of people that were willing to fire him a month ago and hopefully the tune has changed a bit."
"Dallas may have been in the zone for a long time, but they could not get it to the open ice to have clean looks. For Sheldon to have buy in on that and have everyone contribute, they were blocking shots, pushing everything to the outside. Defending from the middle out," added Kypreos.
The Leafs have collected points in 12 straight games, going 9-0-3 over that stretch. Their "Core 4" are leading the team in scoring, they are ranked in the top 10 in team defense despite missing three of their top six blueliners and their goaltending has been able to steal them games when needed. That last point is something the Leafs have not been able to say for at least five years.
Having used 12 defensemen so far this season, their third/fourth string goalie in Erik Kallgren and a variety of different looks among the forward groups, Keefe should be in the conversation for the Jack Adams Award. The Leafs will look to continue their point streak with another win tonight against the LA Kings back in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 8 | 255 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe finally getting the acknowledgement he deserves after collecting points in 12 straight games Does Sheldon Keefe deserve to be a Jack Adams finalist this season? | ||
| Yes | 131 | 51.4 % |
| No | 42 | 16.5 % |
| We'll see where he is at the end of the year | 82 | 32.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
