Sheldon Keefe breaks his silence on being ejected

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Josh tupper
February 29, 2024 (12:03)

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On Tuesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe received a rare game misconduct. While it's not unusual for a player to receive such a penalty, it's uncommon for a referee to receive one. Keefe's misconduct was a stamp on the end of a disappointing night.

Since being ejected Keefe has remained silent on this incident. Instead choosing to direct his attention to the team and trying to remain positive. It was always just a matter of time before he was forced to finally answer for his actions.

Today, Keefe finally took the opportunity to address his comments and instead of standing behind his outburst, he instead walked back his comments. Keefe had the following to share after morning skate.

I think there is a fine line between being a voice for the players at different times, and try to be the voice so that they don't have to be- they can focus on playing. But really all I'll say is my job as a coach is to really make sure I'm focused on the next moment and what comes next. I don't feel like I lost control or anything like that the other night. But I'm not focused on the right thing. My job is to be focused on the right thing. The players' job is to be focused on the right thing. I'll be better in that area. It's a chance for me to reflect and grow from it.

After Keefe's ejection many Leafs' fans felt a level of pride in how their coach handled this situation. The Maple Leafs currently sit 29th in the league in powerplay chances and fans felt it was time the coach put the officials on blast. Now it feels as if Keefe is walking back those same comments that motivated so many members of the fan base.

Keefe will need to hope that his team can find some motivation from this incident and get back on the winning track tonight against the Arizona Coyotes.

POLL
FEVRIER 29 \| 113 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe breaks his silence on being ejected How do you feel about Sheldon Keefe's comments?
He should have stood by his actions	67	59.3 %
He's just trying to mend fences with referees	46	40.7 %
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