One thing that seemed universal last season was that most Toronto Maple Leafs fans wanted general manager Kyle Dubas moved. During the offseason, they got their wish. However, another move fans wanted to see head coach Sheldon Keefe follow him out of town. That hasn’t happened.
In fact, from my perspective, while the Maple Leafs have not – until recently – been firing on all cylinders, can this be blamed on Keefe’s coaching prowess? I don’t think so.
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Keefe Has Designed Four Lines that Are Working Well
I believe that Keefe has made some really good moves recently – especially because his team was facing some illnesses, injuries, and the suspension of defenseman Morgan Rielly. He has been particularly adept in his handling of line combinations and strategic use of timeouts. Keefe’s decision to rejig the lines in the past two games, notably moving John Tavares to the third line alongside Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson, has paid dividends for the Maple Leafs.
This shift not only has balanced the team’s offensive threats across all three lines but also has injected a newfound edge into William Nylander’s play on the team’s second line. With Max Domi now centring the second line with William Nylander and Tyler Bertuzzi on the wings, Nylander found himself flanked by linemates who play with aggression and tenacity. Domi’s physical presence was evident in the Vegas game, where he jumped to Nylander’s defence on multiple occasions.
On the third line, Robertson and McMann give center Tavares a twosome that brings unique skills to the lineup. Robertson is a scorer, but he’s also been playing solid defence. McMann seems to be turning into a monster – both on offence and on defence. He’s a relentless checker whose physicality is growing. He’s tough!
It’s astounding to me how strong he is battling for the puck. In the St. Louis Blues win, at the end of the game, he tore the puck loose from Tory Krug and fired it into the net. While Krug demonstrated and demanded a penalty, the play was within the NHL rules; and, rightfully, no penalty was called. The two youngsters – Robertson and McMann – hugely benefit from playing alongside Tavares, and the line is scoring goals over the last two games. Tavares seems reinvigorated.
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Keefe’s Line Combos Have Revitalized the Maple Leafs’ Offence
Keefe’s astute management of line combinations has not only revitalized the team’s offensive depth but has also fostered a more cohesive and supportive on-ice dynamic. The synergy between linemates has been obvious. Linemates are now stepping up to support each other in crucial moments, both offensively and defensively.
Furthermore, Keefe’s strategic use of timeouts has been instrumental in steadying the team during pivotal junctures in games. By calling timeouts at strategic moments, he has effectively calmed the players down and refocused their efforts. Twice now, he has prevented potential momentum shifts by the opposition. This season, in particular, Keefe seems to be employing timeouts more frequently. In doing so, he has demonstrated a keen awareness of the team’s needs and a willingness to intervene when necessary.
Keefe Seems to Be Growing Into a Better Coach
Keefe’s coaching acumen now extends beyond just line combinations and timeouts. It is also reflected in his broader commitment to adaptability and innovation in pursuit of winning. As the Maple Leafs continue to refine their lineup and address areas of improvement, his strategic approach will play a pivotal role in guiding the team toward the postseason.
I know I might be in the minority with my assessment; however, I am starting to believe that Keefe is showing continued growth in his ability to coach this team forward. Could it be that, under his leadership, the Maple Leafs are more well-positioned to face the challenges ahead and emerge stronger than ever?
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