Since being hired to replace Mike Babcock, Sheldon Keefe has continued to set regular season records. Keefe has delivered a point percentage of .678 and in 185 games coached he has a record of 116-50-19. Last season under Keefe the Maple Leafs set a franchise record for points with 115. But that regular season success hasn't transferred over into the post season. Many feel not only has Keefe not been successful in the playoffs but he's been out coached by John Tortorella, Dom Ducharme and Jon Cooper in the last 3 years.
With his job likely on the line Keefe has been doing his best to hold his team accountable. Today at practice a lack of effort caught Keefe's eye which forced him to stop practice.
Not only is Keefe preaching effort and focus he is also preaching physicality, something the Leafs haven't focused on in the past few years.
With Keefe looking to take this team to a new level the expectations will be much higher. It appears the coach is willing to drag his team kicking and screaming across the finish line. Look for the Leafs to trim down their camp roster in the coming days to get themselves prepared and for any player not willing to keep up to Keefe's standards it could be goodbye.
POLL | ||
27 SEPTEMBRE | 69 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe loses his cool at Toronto Maple Leafs practice, punishes the team with difficult drill Will Sheldon Keefe be the Maple Leafs coach to start next season? | ||
Yes, he will be | 16 | 23.2 % |
No, I don't think he will be | 24 | 34.8 % |
It will depend on if Kyle Dubas is fired | 29 | 42 % |
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