Keefe would like to see some consistency in Maple Leafs, starting Tuesday versus Vegas
‘We’ve proven indicators of life, however we have got one other stage to get to’
Article content material
For Sheldon Keefe, the Maple Leafs have taken steps of their previous two video games, each ending in a victory for Toronto.
Commercial
This commercial has not loaded but, however your article continues under.
Article content material
The Leafs coach has one other purpose in thoughts for his membership because it continues a five-game dwelling stand with a date with the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday.
“We’re searching for consistency,” Keefe mentioned after the Leafs’ elective morning skate at Scotiabank Enviornment. “I don’t suppose we’re shut but (to the place he desires the staff to be).
“We’ve proven indicators of life, however we’ve acquired one other stage to get to. By way of camp and preseason, we felt actually good the place we have been. Quite a lot of the habits and issues that we established final season have been displaying by.
“Since we began taking part in the video games for actual, they haven’t been on the identical stage. A part of that’s us, a part of that’s the opponent and the competitors pushing again.”
The Leafs (4-4-1) will face a Vegas staff (4-4-0) depleted by accidents, however one that’s unlikely to depart its work ethic within the dressing room. Among the many Golden Knights nursing accidents are forwards Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, Alex Tuch, Nolan Patrick, Mattias Janmark and William Karlsson and defenceman Zach Whitecloud.
Commercial
This commercial has not loaded but, however your article continues under.
Article content material
“Whenever you take a few of the prime gamers out like they’re lacking, you find yourself with numerous guys who’ve these nice tangibles, the little particulars, who’re taking part in extra now,” Keefe mentioned. “In order that a part of the sport turns into a little bit harder. Plus, you deliver guys in from the minors which might be doing all the pieces that they will to please and present effectively. It’s a hungry staff that shook off a tricky begin.”
Okay, however who’re we kidding? The Leafs, if they’re who they suppose they’re, ought to get on a roll with the variety of key Vegas gamers out.
Jack Campbell is predicted to begin in purpose for Toronto, with Robin Lehner getting the online for Vegas.
Leafs defenceman TJ Brodie will skate in his 700th Nationwide Hockey League recreation.
Vegas coach Peter DeBoer didn’t need to be informed that Auston Matthews, who has only one purpose in six video games, has been getting scoring probabilities and is on the cusp of breaking out.
Commercial
This commercial has not loaded but, however your article continues under.
Article content material
“I don’t must see him to know what he’s able to doing and I admire you reminding me that he’s simply coming into his personal,” DeBoer mentioned with a chuckle. “They’ve acquired numerous weapons over there and we all know what we’re in for. Our recreation goes to need to be actually detailed.”
Ahead Michael Amadio will make his debut with the Golden Knights, three days after he was claimed off waivers from the Leafs.
The lack of Amadio adopted that of ahead Adam Brooks, who was plucked from the Leafs in the same method by the Montreal Canadiens in mid-October.
Neither is a difference-maker, however Keefe acknowledged the hit that the Leafs’ depth absorbed with the lack of each.
“It’s a tricky factor, since you worth these gamers,” Keefe mentioned. “Within the case of Brooks, he’s a man who had been in our group a very long time (a fourth-round decide by the Leafs in 2016).
Commercial
This commercial has not loaded but, however your article continues under.
Article content material
“Amadio is a man that got here in and labored arduous all summer season lengthy in our facility (after signing in July) and impressed lots of people.
“It was a state of affairs the place we simply felt that him sitting round and never getting video games wasn’t serving to him in his recreation, whether or not that was for us after we wanted him or for his personal profession.
“So you’re taking an opportunity and we put him on waivers and see if we may get him by and get him taking part in within the minors. The system is designed given that if groups have a possibility, and a necessity, they will hold the participant within the NHL. With the Vegas harm state of affairs, it turns into an excellent alternative for Amadio.”
tkoshan@postmedia.com
