Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe on the bench
Photo credit: Toronto Star

Sheldon Keefe attacks Maple Leafs fans for being a distraction

Published April 14, 2024 at 7:23 PM
BY SAMER
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Following a tough 5-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe unexpectedly pointed out the fans as a source of distraction for his team during the game.

Keefe expressed frustration with the heightened atmosphere in Toronto, particularly when star player Auston Matthews was just one goal away from reaching 70 goals for the season.

"That's a major distraction. It doesn't help us," said Keefe of the rising temperature of the crowd when Matthews was 1 goal away from #70 on the season.

While acknowledging the distraction caused by the enthusiastic crowd, Keefe also understood their excitement and admitted to getting caught up in it himself.


"It's exciting," admitted Keefe. "I get it ... And now you're feeding it. I'm feeding it. I want it to happen, I wanted it for the fans."


Despite the disappointment of not achieving goal #70 that night, Matthews will have two more opportunities before the regular season concludes, albeit away from home ice.
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April 14   |   248 answers
Sheldon Keefe attacks Maple Leafs fans for being a distraction

Do you think Sheldon Keefe's comments about Toronto Maple Leafs fans being a distraction are valid?

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