Sheldon Keefe raves about the play of John Klingberg during a 5-2 win over the Canucks
Following a night off on Friday, with the team suggesting that John Klingberg was dealing with an injury, the Swedish defenseman was right back in the lineup on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks - and wouldn't you know it, he didn't look half bad.
Klingberg didn't record any points on the night in a 5-2 victory, but he did finish a +1 in 19 minutes of ice time. Following the game, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe made sure to give Klingberg a verbal pat on the back when speaking with the media.
"John Klingberg came in tonight and, I thought, gave us a lot. Positive plays on the breakout and helped us get out of our zone and distributed the puck, calm under pressure."
Klingberg has been the subject of a lot of criticism early on in his tenure with the Leafs, largely for his lackluster play in his own zone. On Saturday, he was admittedly much better - and against a dangerous Canucks team to boot. While I haven't been the biggest fan of his game this year, I also have to give credit where credit is due. Klingberg did his job on Saturday night and the Leafs were better for it.
Next up for the Buds, a trip to Sweden to take part in the Global Series this coming week. The Leafs play the Detroit Red Wings on Friday and the Minnesota Wild a week from today, on Sunday afternoon. Klingberg, no doubt, is looking forward to the trip and the ability to play in front of a number of his family and friends this week back home.
POLL |
NOVEMBRE 12 | 265 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe raves about the play of John Klingberg during a 5-2 win over the Canucks Will Klingberg remain with the team when they get back from Sweden in 9 days or will the Leafs trade him after the Global Series? |
They'll trade him | 182 | 68.7 % |
They'll keep him | 83 | 31.3 % |
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