Maple Leafs Head Coach Defends His Players As Losses Pile Up

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was happy with how his team played during their most recent loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. The bench boss felt it was their strongest game of the season and their hardest opponent.

Keefe spoke to the media after the game and the message was clear - it's early, they're still adjusting this season and he's happy to take some lessons away to Chicago on Wednesday:

Sheldon Keefe: "I think we leave here a better team... I think there's a lot of good things that our team did here but also in the lessons that we'll take away that'll make us a better team."

— James Mirtle (@mirtle) October 26, 2021

Keefe: "My confidence gets a boost in the group today ... that game is played at a much higher pace and we got a real sense of what a Stanley Cup-contending team looks and feels like. Our guys had to deal with that all the way through. I think we leave here a better team." #Leafs

— Terry Koshan (@koshtorontosun) October 26, 2021

Keefe: "I thought our guys competed at a much higher level. Unfortunately, it's still not high enough." Lauds the way Carolina plays. #Leafs

— Terry Koshan (@koshtorontosun) October 26, 2021

Some fans are calling for Keefe to be fired and some are pointing out the fact he holds the NHL record for fastest coach to 100 wins.  There's no doubt the Maple Leafs are reeling at the moment and a game on Wednesday against the historically bad Chicago Blackhawks, who have yet to get a lead in a game this season should be exactly what the doctored ordered. 

Keefe Has Been Busy Lately Defending Players:

For those who missed the postgame exchange between Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe and Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun regarding Nick Ritchie, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, here it is. (Courtesy @DaveyUpper)

pic.twitter.com/ac1SqvihUj

— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) October 23, 2021

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