Sheldon Keefe claims fake tough guy refused to drop the gloves after dirty hit on Jake McCabe

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Josh tupper
February 8, 2024 (9:11)

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Photo credit: NHL

Last night the Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the Dallas Stars in what turned out to be a physical game. Both teams are playing hard to try and solidify their standings ahead of this year's trade deadline. The Maple Leafs held on to win the game 5-4, but it was an incident that occurred in the second period that everyone is talking about.

Deep in the Leafs' zone, after passing the puck Jake McCabe was left leaking after a blindside hit to the head by Mason Marchment. The referees had no issue with the hit, despite it being to the head and McCabe not having the puck.

Jake McCabe was GIVING IT to the refs after taking a late hit from Mason Marchment with no call 😬 pic.twitter.com/4pAjcVAVLW� Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 8, 2024

Maximum fury McCabe check on Marchment took out Benoit too pic.twitter.com/YudTKNVdTv� Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 8, 2024

However, according to Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe, McCabe actually attempted to drop the gloves with Marchment but the Stars' tough guy wasn't having it.

There was some confrontation between he & Marchment in the 3rd. Jake was hard on him. Our team was hard on Marchment ... I think Jake asked him for a fight & the fight didn't happen, obviously. But I just like that Jake kept his cool & didn't hurt the team.

It's surprising given their reputation that it was the Maple Leafs trying to initiate the fight, but that's exactly the attitude the team needs if they're going to find any success.

Previously on Bladeofsteel

Lightning's Mikhail Sergachev Releases Frustrated Update after Leaving Game on a Stretcher

Lightning defenceman Mikhail Sergachev forced to leave game on stretcher

Promising Bruins' Rookie to Miss the Remainder of the Season

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8 FEVRIER \| 409 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe claims fake tough guy refused to drop the gloves after dirty hit on Jake McCabe Should this hit be reviewed by the Department of Player Safety?
Yes, it should be	306	74.8 %
No, don't watch your pass	103	25.2 %
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