Canada Sport News

Maple Leafs' Coach Keefe Criticizes Team Performance Following Loss to Flyers

Game coverage - story

Maple Leafs’ Coach Keefe Criticizes Team Performance Following Loss to Flyers

March 20, 2024

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe wasn’t a fan of how goaltender Ilya Samsonov played in Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

But to be fair to Samsonov, Keefe wasn’t a fan of how any Maple Leaf played.

“I think he was like the group,” Keefe said when asked about his netminder’s performance. “I didn’t like anybody tonight. Forward, defence, goaltending. Didn’t like anybody.”

The Maple Leafs fell down 3-0 to the Flyers after the first two periods. They would rally with three third-period goals to make it a game, but in the end, fell one goal short.

In Keefe’s eyes, his team disappointed in all areas of the game.

“Couldn’t pass the puck, couldn’t handle the puck, couldn’t defend, didn’t compete,” Keffe said. “So not a lot to like.”

The Maple Leafs have now dropped two in a row after a shootout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday in which they blew a late lead.

Toronto sits third in the Atlantic Divison with 85 points, nine back of the second-place Florida Panthers.

Keefe’s squad will get a quick chance to redeem Tuesday’s effort as they head to Washington to take on the Capitals on Wednesday. You can watch the game live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe did not mince words following his team’s disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night. The Leafs fell 4-3 in a shootout, and Keefe was quick to point out the areas where his team fell short.

In his post-game press conference, Keefe criticized the team’s lack of effort and execution, particularly in the defensive zone. He noted that the Leafs gave up too many quality scoring chances and were unable to shut down the Flyers’ top players.

Keefe also expressed frustration with the team’s inability to capitalize on their own scoring opportunities. The Leafs outshot the Flyers 39-31 but were unable to convert on key chances, including a late power play in overtime.

The loss to the Flyers marks the Leafs’ third straight defeat, and Keefe knows that his team needs to turn things around quickly if they want to stay in the playoff race. He emphasized the need for improved consistency and effort from his players moving forward.

Despite the recent struggles, Keefe remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back. He stressed the importance of learning from their mistakes and using them as motivation to improve.

As the Leafs prepare for their next game against the Buffalo Sabres, Keefe will be looking for a strong response from his players. He knows that they have the talent and potential to be successful, but it will take a collective effort to get back on track.

In conclusion, Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe’s criticism of his team’s performance following their loss to the Flyers serves as a wake-up call for the players. With the playoffs looming, the Leafs will need to address their shortcomings and make the necessary adjustments to ensure success in the postseason.