Devils coach Sheldon Keefe HILARIOUSLY insists that he ‘missed’ tribute video by Maple Leafs in first return to Toronto
Sheldon Keefe returned to Toronto for the first time as an opposition coach as he took his New Jersey Devils side to take on the Maple Leafs.
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Sheldon Keefe (Image via X)
On Thursday, the New Jersey Devils traveled to Toronto to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena. This match marked a special occasion for their coach Sheldon Keefe as he returned to Toronto for the first time since leaving them after the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Keefe spent the last nine years of his life in Toronto while coaching hockey. Before becoming the head coach of the Maple Leafs in 2019, he was the head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
The 44-year-old coach led the Marlies to the Calder Trophy triumph in 2018 and has the best points percentage record in Maple Leafs history at .665 with a 212-97-54 record. He also took the team to five Stanley Cup playoffs. However, he only won one series during their playoff run.
In the middle of the game, a tribute video regarding him was played by the team. The fans would applaud their former coach following the video.
After the game, Keefe hilariously insisted that he ‘missed’ the tribute video. He though appreciated the move by the team.
To be honest, I didn’t see it. You’re into the game and I kind of lost track of it. For them to take the time to acknowledge me, I’m very appreciative. Disappointed we don’t leave with two points, but I probably owed the Leafs an extra point.
Sheldon Keefe said as per NHL.com
TSN’s Mike Johnson would later claim that Keefe mentioned earlier that he will be acting during the video. As per Johnson, Keefe pretended to be busy so that he does not get emotional. Mission accomplished perhaps for Keefe.
Sheldon Keefe gets a warm reception from the Toronto crowd in his return to the city 💙👏 pic.twitter.com/lj8wzgLd4C
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 17, 2025
The return for Keefe did not turn out as he expected though. The Devils ended up dropping another game in overtime as the Maple Leafs snatched a late winner through William Nylander.
Sheldon Keefe calls out NJ Devils for unacceptable puck management in 4-3 OT loss
In a tight game, it was the Toronto Maple Leafs who came out as the winners against the New Jersey Devils. The visitors had some good chances in overtime but were unable to convert their chances. They would later give the puck away which resulted in William Nylander settling the game. Coach Sheldon Keefe would later call out his team for “unacceptable” puck management.
After controlling the puck for over a minute, the Devils went for a low percentage shot. It did work out well for them as the Maple Leafs easily passed their way around and allowed Nylander to go through their goal. This also happened just after Auston Matthews had been taken off.
The way we managed the overtime, that was against everything that we’ve talked about in terms of managing. One hits the post and could go in and changes everything but we had the puck again and just how we managed that was just unacceptable.
Sheldon Keefe said as per NHL.com
WILLY STYLES IN OT!! 🤩
— NHL (@NHL) January 17, 2025
William Nylander gets in alone and wins it for the @MapleLeafs in @Energizer overtime! pic.twitter.com/mvfDhjRJdG
Nylander’s OT winner ended a three-game losing run for the Maple Leafs. As for the New Jersey Devils, this was a third loss in their loss four games.
All of their last four games have gone beyond regulation period. This is something the Devils may have to work upon as they look to get back on top of the Metropolitan Division.
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Vinay Dave
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