The Columbus Blue Jackets is currently the 2nd-worst team in the Eastern Conference according to the NHL standings, so for the Leafs to have surrendered a 5-0 head start to the Jackets like that - it didn't sit too well with anyone before the comeback had begun. Even head coach Sheldon Keefe doubted his group, admitting that scoring 5 wasn't what he was expecting after 40 minutes.
Keefe just wanted the team to show some positive signs, even in a loss. He was under no misconceptions about how his team played over the course of the full 60 minutes. At the end of the day, he was happy to get a point out of it, but he knows full well that his team didn't deserve it, given how the first 40 minutes went.
The Leafs don't have much time to stop and pick up the pieces, as they welcome ex-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas back to Scotiabank Arena on Saturday for the first time since he was let go back in May. I'm sure Keefe is hoping for a much better effort from his group over the full 60 minutes against his former boss.
POLL | ||
15 DECEMBRE | 1108 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe makes shocking admission about the Leafs following loss to Blue Jackets How do you feel about the Leafs' loss to Columbus on Thursday? | ||
Can't win 'em all | 98 | 8.8 % |
I'm still upset with the effort through 40 mins | 677 | 61.1 % |
I'm actually happy they got a point | 333 | 30.1 % |
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