As often comes with the territory of playing (or coaching) in Toronto, concerns, critiques, and suggestions are everywhere. This season, there are a number of issues regarding Sheldon Keefe’s coaching and the current state of the Maple Leafs.
There’s no question that, were the Maple Leafs’ drowning in wins and in first place in the NHL, this criticism would be a non-issue. Alas, that’s not the case. It’s been a rollercoaster season, and Maple Leafs’ fans – as they tend to do – are not holding back about what they think is the issue. The blame game can be a moving target with fans – probably from all teams; however, it seems especially true from the Maple Leafs.
For example, it used to be that Justin Holl was the target of fans who couldn’t wait to see him gone. Now he is. Before Holl, it was defenseman Jake Gardiner. He’s gone, too. And, over the past year, William Nylander was the target of fans’ ire. However, he seemed to have been replaced by Mitch Marner. Does that mean Marner will be gone as well?
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Lately, fans have taken aim at Maple Leafs head coach Keefe and made him their pinata. Opinions about Keefe’s coaching and the team’s overall performance have been shared widely and loudly. Fans seem to be swinging, even if a little blindfolded.
Some Fans See Keefe Makes Questionable Decisions
First, Maple Leafs fans are demanding change. Some are suggesting that a shakeup in the team’s culture or a substantial trade could be the remedy. Now that Keefe is calling for accountability by players, fans believe the responsibility should also extend to key players such as John Tavares and the rest of the Core Four.
Second, fans believe that Keefe has made questionable decisions. Specifically, the decision to scratch David Kampf sparked controversy. Fans questioned the public handling of Kampf’s defensive mistake and argued that such a public shaming might create divisions within the team. In this incident, some fans believe Keefe’s decision shows that he has perceived favorites on the team. And, that’s a problem. Fans conclude Keefe is biased toward his core players, and he’s harder on non-core players when they make similar errors.
Third, other fans think the opposite. They regard Keefe as too “tame” in his coaching style. This group of Maple Leafs fans believe professional athletes need less coddling and more assertive coaching. Fans are frustrated with the sense that coach Keefe is too easy on some players and doesn’t challenge those who need accountability. At the same time, other fans point to the opposite problem of Keefe seeming to chastise players publicly.
Oddly, the balance between not critiquing players and public shaming weighs differently on different groups of fans. No matter what Keefe seems to do, one group of fans doesn’t like it. The only thing fans can agree on is that Keefe is wrong – either way.
Some Fans Say Keefe Should Be Moved Out
Fourth, fans have mixed views about what Keefe’s future should be. Opinions on Keefe’s job security differ. While some argue his position is (and should be) secure. Others think he should be dumped – now. A third believes that a decision will happen after the playoffs. Should the team do well, likely Keefe would stick around. If not, is there a chance he could be gone?
Fifth, some fans are already looking ahead to what kind of different coach the team should have when they get rid of Keefe. Most of these fans believe that “old-school approaches” coaching options would bring the kind of changes the team needs. Names like John Tortorella or Craig Berube have been thrown into the mix.
The Bottom Line Is That Fans Are Heavily Critiquing Keefe
The fact is that fans’ opinions about why Sheldon Keefe is a bad coach vary in odd ways. Still, Maple Leafs fans are clear they believe something is wrong, and it’s Keefe. Fans are passionate and engaged in saying so.
From what I’ve been reading, a major group of fans simply want coach Keefe gone. While the reasons why are somewhat contradictory, the mood is not.
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