Sheldon Keefe shares his reason for scratching Justin Holl for Wednesday's game
After a couple of days off without a formal practice, the Leafs returned to the ice today joined by Auston Matthews in a regular jersey. That was the first surprising thing about today's practice. The second most surprising thing was that Justin Holl, the Leafs' most used defenceman was seen skating on the fourth pair with Jordie Benn.
Holl skating on the fourth pairing indicates he will be scratched for tomorrow's game against the Hawks. It will be the first game of the season that Holl misses and Sheldon Keefe didn't mince his words when speaking to media about the decision after practice.
"His game, at times, has been tremendous ... At times, it has also slipped. To me, the other night was one of those nights. You're looking for someone to take out. So don't give me a reason," said Keefe of his decision.
Those are harsh words from Keefe considering how much he has trusted and used Holl in all situations for much of the season. However, Keefe did add that this is an opportunity for Holl to try and reset.
Holl was also asked about him being a scratch for tomorrow's game and he also gave a very direct answer, saying "the result isn't acceptable." Holl understands the decision and he shouldn't be out of the lineup for long. His demotion to the press box, though, will give Keefe the opportunity to reunite Mark Giordano and Timothy Liljegren - a pair that was very successful together last year after Giordano was acquired from Seattle.
