Sheldon Keefe benches top 6 forward before he plays a single shift

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Sam Hutch
March 20, 2024 (8:11 PM)

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Sheldon Keefe benches top 6 forward before he plays a single shift

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing off against the Washington Capitals in the second half of a back-to-back. There was one very noticeable absence for the first so far this game, as head coach Sheldon Keefe has mysteriously benched a top 6 forward who typically plays on the top line alongside Auston Matthews.

According to David Alter of Sports Illustrated and the NHL Network Tyler Bertuzzi hasn't played a shift yet this game, although, he is dressed and sitting on the bench; Take a look.

Tyler Bertuzzi has yet to take a shift in this game. He is on the bench, though.

Why Bertuzzi hasn't played a shift yet in this game is certainly puzzling, but it's not unlike Sheldon Keefe to make questionable lineup decisions.

Whether Bertuzzi sees any ice time this game remains to be seen, in any case at some point, Keefe is going to have to answer for this choice sooner or later.

Update: Bertuzzi has started to take a regular shift, about halfway through the period, either way, does Keefe know what he's doing? It never seems like it.

Bertuzzi now taking first shift midway through the first period.