Calls for Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe to be fired grows stronger after Game 3 loss in playoffs
Toronto Maple Leafs' coach Sheldon Keefe is facing the heat of being laid off if results do not improve
Follow Us
Sheldon Keefe (Image via: Forbes)
The Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe is under the microscope as several fans have called for his firing. This is due to the disastrous run-of-form by his side. The Maple Leafs stand on the verge of elimination from the Stanley Cup as they are 3-0 down in the best-of-seven series against the Florida Panthers.
Following the exit of the Boston Bruins, the Leafs became the favorites of many pundits and experts to win the Stanley Cup. These expectations are now likely to go down the drain as the Maple Leafs face the humiliation of getting swept in the playoffs. Their third successive defeat to the Panthers was the first time in almost twelve years that they had lost three games in a row.
The Maple Leafs were able to Game 3 to overtime but had to face disappointment again. A heartbreaking loss through Sam Reinhart’s goal made it 3-2 to the Panthers as they took a strong grip on the play-off tie.
“You never know what the politics are at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the Leaf’s owner, to fully understand what will come of Shanahan and Dubas. But if the Leafs are swept or even lose in an unimpressive five games, Keefe can’t return as coach,” Toronto columnist Steve Simmons argued.
Toronto Maple Leafs in dire need of a result to save their season
Kyle Dubas, the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was the one who brought in Sheldon Keefe. The relationship between the duo seems to be good. Keefe, who joined the Maple Leafs in 2019, has seen his side make it to the later stages of the postseason numerous times now.
Their chances to advance through to the next round took a serious hit when star goaltender Ilya Samsonov got injured. He got injured during an unfortunate collision with his own teammate Luke Schenn, which forced him to leave the game. It was a shame as he was putting up an impressive performance in front of the goal to preserve his side’s 1-0 lead.
The Maple Leafs now need a huge miracle or perhaps some divine intervention if they were to pull off this comeback. Only four times has a team overcome a 3-0 deficit to advance through to the next round. The Maple Leafs are one of those teams themselves to achieve this feat. They will be looking to take inspiration from the 1942’s side, which did so.
In case you missed it:
Stay Updated!
Vinay Dave
(1823 Articles Published)