The Leafs identify two unsung heroes after a huge win in Calgary and a 4-point effort from Matthews
Photo credit: NHL
Last night was, for all intents and purposes, the Auston Matthews show, as the team's resident sniper and Rocket Richard Trophy favourite ripped 3 more into the twine, moving to 37 goals on the season. While Matthews was the clear hero on the night, collecting 4 points, there were two other unsung heroes who received a whole lot of love from the team following last night's game in Calgary.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were up 4-3 with just over 11 minutes to go in the third when Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary tucked in his own rebound past Martin Jones. The game appeared to be tied until Leafs video coaches Jordan Bean and Sam Kim told Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe to challenge the goal for a hand pass.
Following the challenge and review, the goal was called back as a flubbed clearing attempt by Tyler Bertuzzi hit Blake Coleman's glove before being held in at the line. The challenge ended up helping the Leafs secure two important points, snapping their four-game losing streak and getting back into the win column.
Following the game, Sheldon Keefe exchanged an emphatic high-five with Bean in the hall before they entered the room to a thunderous cheer. When asked about their video coaches, Keefe had nothing but praise.
"They're vital. You guys get to see it when we have these challenges and key moments. They're so dialed in. But I see it every day just because they allow this whole thing to run. There is so much that goes on with the coaching staff, how we communicate with the players, and how we prepare the team. You get to see it on display with the challenges, but those guys are MVPs on our staff every day."
A handful of players were also asked about the challenge and the role that Kim and Bean play on the team.
"A big turning point in the game," Matthews said following his 4th hat-trick of the season.
William Nylander admitted that he didn't see the hand pass happen live and it was a great catch by Kim and Bean to notice so quickly.
"They've been on fire back there. I don't know how quick they were to catch that. But, I mean, I didn't even notice that play happening during the game. So, that was unreal by them to catch that."
Leafs defenseman T.J. Brodie echoed Nylander's praises with how quick the two work to see things and how good they've been in identifying clear rule infractions to negate opposing goals.
"They don't have much time to go through that stuff. And some of it's so tight. I don't even know if they've missed one yet."
For everyone wondering, including Brodie, since Sheldon Keefe took over behind the Leafs' bench, they are 18 for 19 in challenges. This season alone, the Leafs are a perfect 5 for 5.
You don't often hear of a team praising its video coaches so publicly. The Leafs, however, are an organization who seems to highlight those who are working hard behind the scenes, allowing them to share in the overall team successes and making sure that people know who these individuals are.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 19 | 737 ANSWERS The Leafs identify two unsung heroes after a huge win in Calgary and a 4-point effort from Matthews Will the Leafs win either of the next two games against Vancouver and Seattle this weekend? | ||
| Yes, they'll go 2-0 this weekend | 184 | 25 % |
| Yes, they'll go 1-1 this weekend | 426 | 57.8 % |
| No, they'll go 0-2 this weekend | 127 | 17.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
