Sheldon Keefe fires back at Jim Montgomery for Jeremy Swayman remark

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TJ Tucker
April 26, 2024 (11:53)

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Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe says Jim Montgomery, coach of the Boston Bruins, has it all wrong when it comes to goaltender Jeremy Swayman

Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery's comment on how his goaltender Jeremy Swayman is in the head of the Toronto Maple Leafs isn't sitting well with their coach. Sheldon Keefe responded to the comment in a recent session with reporters.

In game 3 of the Maple Leafs-Bruins first-round 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs series, Toronto's Max Domi ran into Swayman during a timeout for television.

When asked about Swayman's performance against the Leafs in the two teams' last five matchups, Montgomery referenced the incident, calling it a sign his goaltender is getting to Toronto.

"When Domi goes off the bench and bumps him on purpose, makes me think that maybe he's in their head a little bit."

Keefe was asked about that statement later in the day. He said there's no logic to it, and the Maple Leafs are just fine when it comes to Swayman.

"Keefe on Montgomery comment re: Domi-Swayman bump:

'It's playoff hockey & things are happening all over the ice. With that logic you would say every time they bump into one of our guys maybe we're in their heads.'

Frustration with chances not falling?

'I sense zero frustration.'"

Montgomery took Swayman out in game 2, replacing him with Linus Ullmark despite a Bruins win in game 1. Toronto won that game. Unless Swayman has a huge collapse in net sometime soon, I wouldn't expect that to happen again. Game 4 takes place in Toronto Saturday night and will be a big one. A loss means a commanding 3-1 lead for the Bruins, while a win puts the series tied at 2 each.