Sheldon Keefe Gets Brutally Honest About the Maple Leafs Ahead of His Return to Toronto
Former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe is returning to the city for the first time since his firing and his New Jersey Devils are feeling motivated.
Sheldon Keefe is 0-2 against his former team so far this season, and there is no doubt that he has created a friendly rivalry for himself with current Maple Leafs head coach, Craig Berube.
Sheldon Keefe on the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Devils are one of the best teams in the Metropolitan division while the Maple Leafs are on a three-game losing streak.
Prior to the game, Keefe spoke to reporters about his time in Toronto and whether or not he had any bad feelings about what went down.
However, the head coach was very honest about the situation, noting that the city respected him. Additionally, he knows he didn't deliver on the biggest stages which was a huge factor in his demise.
Looking back, I think it's been good and healthy for everyone. Chief has done a tremendous job with the team, and I feel good about where I'm at now. I'm better for all the experiences I had there-that's just the reality of this league.
You're hired to be fired. Even Chief, who won a Stanley Cup in St. Louis, was let go. It's just the nature of coaching. Still, I feel fortunate to have spent nine years in Toronto, provided stability for my family, and grown as a coach in such a great organization.»
It is always good to see a head coach who takes accountability and understands that this is a business.
In fact, this is a mentality that should take the New Jersey Devils pretty far this season.
While Keefe did not have playoff success in Toronto, that does not mean he can't find it with the Devils roster. At the end of the day, these are two very different teams.
No matter what, all eyes will be on tonight's game as Keefe looks to avenge his team, once and for all.
