Sheldon Keefe reveals why he doesn't like the Leafs' increased physicality
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Photo credit: NHL
For years, Leaf fans have said that the team needed to be more physical and throw more hits, especially when it comes to playoff time. The Leafs and former GM Kyle Dubas have made it a point to add more physicality the past couple of seasons in preparation for the playoffs. Last season the Leafs were 23rd in hits by the time playoffs rolled around, but so far they have been one of the more physical teams this season.
Currently, the Leafs sit fourth in hits with 588 as a team, ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning but behind the Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights and league-leading Nashville Predators. While many fans see it as a good thing, head coach Sheldon Keefe has a different philosophy about it.
"It is probably more reflective of the fact that we haven't had the puck nearly as much this year as we have in past years. When you don't have it as much, you are defending more, and those numbers tend to rise."
Given the Leafs' inconsistency to begin the season, it should be of no surprise that they are near the top of the league in hits. As Keefe said, if they are being more physical, it means that they don't have control of the puck. The Leafs have started to find some consistency in their game the past couple of weeks, but have maintained their physicality, which was highlighted with a pair of massive hits from Jake McCabe this week.
If the Leafs are able to continue to dominate on a more consistent basis, we should see the hitting subside a little bit. Being in the middle of the pack is likely where they would prefer to be as it would show they are in possession of the puck more often than not.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 724 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe reveals why he doesn't like the Leafs' increased physicality Do you agree with Sheldon Keefe about the Leafs not maintaining puck possession as the reason for their increased physicality? | ||
| No | 412 | 56.9 % |
| Yes | 312 | 43.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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