Playoff Keefe

[Blanche Blanche]

Bring a real NHL coach that would make Matthews cry. And if Marner isn’t traded this coach better make him cry too. These guys have to know they’re not at a homecoming shindig. It’s get results or get in shit or get traded.

keefe is a cuck for big $ players. Letting 90lbs Marner walk all over him.

paul Marner needs a coach like Torts to tell him to shit the f*** up and to have grown balls to raise his son not to be a bitch.

 

[Stephen]

What is worrisome about Keefe is he doesn’t seem to understand why the PP stopped working. Aside from internal factors is he not aware of in game adjustments made by the rest of the league? Particularly this year when you play the same 6 teams over and over and they also own iPads?

 

[Stephen]

I said it from the first game of the playoffs, why is Sandin, who played maybe two games for us and was injured most of this season, inserted in the lineup ahead of Dermott, who played most of the season and formed a good third pairing with Bogosian. That first game he makes two errors that led indirectly to goals. Then Keefe reinserts him after Dermott helped the team get a shutout and in the most important game 5 he makes another two blunders that cost us goals. That's on the coach.

Somewhat reminiscent of pumping Robertson’s tires in the bubble last year, getting him in vs Columbus and then setting him aside for Johnsson in the elimination game. Not great for the player you’re taking out or the guy coming in off injury.

There’s also no real ladder for promotion through the ranks. Put a kid in a key position and yo yo them for no discernible reason.

 

[Donnie740]

keefe is a cuck for big $ players. Letting 90lbs Marner walk all over him.

Sheldon Cuck

It’s hilarious because it’s true.

 

[CelticDruid]

Here's some food for thought that will get me some hate. Give me hockey players that have lost some teeth. I believe all our pretty boys have all their teeth. This means one of two things, they have the world's greatest dentist or they aren't willing to make the kind of sacrificed that it takes to succeed in the playoffs. At the very least introduce them to the boards and corners. Our $million kids haven't met them yet. And for all those Hyman detractors, chill out. He was the only one willing to pay the price to make the play.

The Habs, cross-checked, slashed and elbowed with impunity, all the Leafs did was smile back.

There was no grit, just old timers cashing in their last pay cheque.

 

[hobarth]

I thought Keefe dropped the ball in many ways, having such an ineffective top line in 6 games was too long, he should've broken it up, not only in these playoffs but during the year. Marner was consistently playing 25 or more minutes, that's too much for forwards, period.

I really liked the Mikey/Eng/Hy line, Hy drove that line and provided offense, why wasn't it revisited.

Thornton was ineffective for much of the year, Nash and Brooks could've/would've provided more value, every little upgrade however incremental is worthwhile, Simmonds as well.
Spezza, the seemingly forgotten man, he was productive on the 4th line while playing with slugs, why wasn't he promoted?

Ny won faceoffs, carried the play, played reasonable d, scored so why was his icetime restricted to 14/15 minutes, why wasn't he the center on the 2nd line, I liked Kerfoot's effort but the results weren't worthwhile when it mattered.

The PP, Malhotra was brought in to run it but I didn't see any difference in it from last year, was this a Malhotra problem or a player problem? What looked obvious to me was that MM had eyes only for AM which was too predictable, they needed to be split up.

I think a winning team is a chemistry experiment and when a proper mix is realized, results will follow I felt Babs was incapable of innovation but I also felt Keefe exhibited the same trait during these playoffs. Tinkering with the the other lines while the 1st burned until the 7th game seemed too little, too late.

It was another year where TO seemed capable but being totally convinced wasn't something I was comfortable with. Winning the series against Edmonton earlier in the year was when I was most stocked but right after TO went into a losing streak, lost 6 of the next 7 games, that made me feel it was the same old, same old Leafs.

Bringing in leaders like Thornton and Simmonds seemed to make sense but really leaders that can contribute would be far more sensible and leaders that have won would've been even more sensible. It felt to me that Keefe felt compelled to play them or at least I hope that's the case.

 

[McSnypsky]

I don't want to see another SJ vet on the team ever again.

I might take Couture he plays the game with grit.

 

[Gabriel426]

Keefe is a good coach just not the RIGHT one for the current Leafs.
I really don't know what he is stubborn with his lines.

 

[PromisedLand]

I am too ticked off still to go over every interview.

If someone had the patience to go over every interview; did someone ask Keefe why in the blue hell he kept Matthews-Marner together even when that line was struggling to generate any offense? And if he got asked that what did he say?

 

[ToneDog]

I am too ticked off still to go over every interview.

If someone had the patience to go over every interview; did someone ask Keefe why in the blue hell he kept Matthews-Marner together even when that line was struggling to generate any offense? And if he got asked that what did he say?

Said something about not wanting to change something that was working all year long.

 

[Boxscore]

He adjusts to nothing, fixes nothing.

This is the biggest problem as I see it. Prior to the series against Montreal, he was asked about line matchups and he said, "I'm not worried about matchups; we're not hiding our best players from anyone." This shows just how immature, delusional and arrogant Keefe is. He also appears to have a sense of job security that perhaps he shouldn't.

To me, Keefe appears to be the type of coach who does all his work before the game, then considers it a sign of weakness to adjust his (what he thought was) brilliant strategy. This is dangerous. He needs to mature as much as anyone in the organization.

 

[PromisedLand]

Said something about not wanting to change something that was working all year long.

what a MORON.

Someone should have told him that hey keefe playoffs is at max 7 games not a season long. You dont get it done in 7 games you are OUT

This response by him pisses me the F off

 

[Donnie740]

This is the biggest problem as I see it. Prior to the series against Montreal, he was asked about line matchups and he said, "I'm not worried about matchups; we're not hiding our best players from anyone." This shows just how immature, delusional and arrogant Keefe is. He also appears to have a sense of job security that perhaps he shouldn't.

To me, Keefe appears to be the type of coach who does all his work before the game, then considers it a sign of weakness to adjust his (what he thought was) brilliant strategy. This is dangerous. He needs to mature as much as anyone in the organization.

Some coaches don’t have the capability to make in-game adjustments - - they need to break down film before they can recognize what the problem is and decide what adjustments need to be made.

 

[Boxscore]

Some coaches don’t have the capability to make in-game adjustments - - they need to break down film before they can recognize what the problem is and decide what adjustments need to be made.

Those coaches should not be working for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

 

[Boxscore]

Bringing in leaders like Thornton and Simmonds seemed to make sense but really leaders that can contribute would be far more sensible

That's a tough proposition, considering the Leafs had to lure players with league minimum contracts. Perry over Simmonds? Perhaps. But I think Simmonds is more physical and can do a better job at policing the ice for the kids -- an element we sorely lacked. Chara over Bogosian? Absolutely, but Chara picked his location and we're not sure if the Leafs were even on his radar.

When Dubas brought in Thornton, Simmonds and Bogosian for cheap, I thought they were very solid moves, so I can't complain now. I also liked the Foligno trade, of course I didn't know he'd be injured the entire time and contribute nothing. Brodie proved to be a very good signing.

 

[CelticDruid]

Keefe is a good coach just not the RIGHT one for the current Leafs.
I really don't know what he is stubborn with his lines.

He comes across as a bit thick, constantly regurgitating the same narrative over and over again.

Just like a bowl of word salad.

 

[Donnie740]

Those coaches should not be working for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

No, they should not.

But when the brand new inexperienced President gets sweet talked by a stats-spouting kid into making him the brand new inexperienced GM who then bring in his good buddy, a brand new inexperienced coach, this is the results you get.

 

[CelticDruid]

No, they should not.

But when the brand new inexperienced President gets sweet talked by a stats-spouting kid into making him the brand new inexperienced GM who then bring in his good buddy, a brand new inexperienced coach, this is the results you get.

They obviously have to stick together because if one goes they all go.

One big circle jerk.

 

[Donnie740]

Bringing in Corey Perry instead of Thornton should have been a no-brainer for even the most clueless GM.

Thornton is a washed-up lifelong loser who’s never won a big game in his life. Expecting “leadership” from a guy like that defies logic.

In addition to being a proven champion, Perry is a WAY more physical player than Thornton.

Rasmus Sandin can confirm this fact.

 

[fahad203]

Bringing in Corey Perry instead of Thornton should have been a no-brainer for even the most clueless GM.

Thornton is a washed-up lifelong loser who’s never won a big game in his life. Expecting “leadership” from a guy like that defies logic.

In addition to being a proven champion, Perry is a WAY more physical player than Thornton.

Rasmus Sandin can confirm this fact.

I never understood the logic of bringing someone who's 41 years old then playing him the amoutn they did. I always loved Joe but he's 41 bloody one. Whoever our pro scout is needs to be questioned to the logic

Today's game is built around speed and mobility.

As for Perry, well Simmonds is supposed to do what Perry did, crash the net, fight along the boards, intiminate people. He did none of that

I am not sure why some fans even contemplating the idea of bringing him back

 

[Boxscore]

Bringing in Corey Perry instead of Thornton should have been a no-brainer for even the most clueless GM.

Thornton is a washed-up lifelong loser who’s never won a big game in his life. Expecting “leadership” from a guy like that defies logic.

In addition to being a proven champion, Perry is a WAY more physical player than Thornton.

Rasmus Sandin can confirm this fact.

I think Simmonds was chosen over Perry. Let's not forget, the Habs had Perry in camp, then cut him, eventually brining him back as an injury replacement. There are pros of Perry vs. Simmonds but also pros for Simmonds. I don't think Dubas envisioned he would need Simmonds or Perry for their scoring prowess, as both have seen better days. I think this could have come down to Cup experience vs. physicality, fighting, and the ability to police a game if needed. Simmonds is, and always was, a way better fighter than Perry. Simmonds can actually hold his own with any player in the NHL today, perhaps sans Reaves.

Should Dubas have signed Perry instead of Simmonds? An argument could be made but we'd have to look at timing. As I said, Perry was Habs property twice since camp.

I think Thornton was brought in for three reasons:

1. Motivation. The only thing missing from Jumbo's case is a Cup. Want to talk about motivation?

2. Role model. Granted, Thornton never won a Cup, but either did Ray Bourque until he arrived in Denver. Jumbo is a legend and a player the kids looked up to over the years -- having him in the room to help mentor them should have been extremely valuable. What I don't agree with is Keefe giving Thornton tons of top line and PP time during the first half of the season. I always thought that was happening because the kids told Keefe they "wanted Joe on their line" -- it just had that feel to it.

3. Versatility. Joe could play wing or middle. Perry is pest winger with decent, aging mitts. He is not versatile, nor can he be used in multiple roles.

Looking back, a player like Jeff Carter would have been outstanding, but he came with a big sticker that the Leafs couldn't afford.

 

[fahad203]

I think Simmonds was chosen over Perry. Let's not forget, the Habs had Perry in camp, then cut him, eventually brining him back as an injury replacement. There are pros of Perry vs. Simmonds but also pros for Simmonds. I don't think Dubas envisioned he would need Simmonds or Perry for their scoring prowess, as both have seen better days. I think this could have come down to Cup experience vs. physicality, fighting, and the ability to police a game if needed. Simmonds is, and always was, a way better fighter than Perry. Simmonds can actually hold his own with any player in the NHL today, perhaps sans Reaves.

Should Dubas have signed Perry instead of Simmonds? An argument could be made but we'd have to look at timing. As I said, Perry was Habs property twice since camp.

I think Thornton was brought in for three reasons:

1. Motivation. The only thing missing from Jumbo's case is a Cup. Want to talk about motivation?

2. Role model. Granted, Thornton never won a Cup, but either did Ray Bourque until he arrived in Denver. Jumbo is a legend and a player the kids looked up to over the years -- having him in the room to help mentor them should have been extremely valuable. What I don't agree with is Keefe giving Thornton tons of top line and PP time during the first half of the season. I always thought that was happening because the kids told Keefe they "wanted Joe on their line" -- it just had that feel to it.

3. Versatility. Joe could play wing or middle. Perry is pest winger with decent, aging mitts. He is not versatile, nor can he be used in multiple roles.

Looking back, a player like Jeff Carter would have been outstanding, but he came with a big sticker that the Leafs couldn't afford.

I have no problem to why they brought Joe. He provided all that. My problem is his playing time like every other Leafs fan
You had to see he coudln't keep up, you had to manage his ice time, his role within that ice time

This is not on Dubas, this is all on Keefe. It's mind boggling how much he played him considering how little he contributed. Yet Spezza who was better than all bottom 6 players, got no PP time with Matthews

 

[ToneDog]

I think Simmonds was chosen over Perry. Let's not forget, the Habs had Perry in camp, then cut him, eventually bringing him back as an injury replacement. There are pros of Perry vs. Simmonds but also pros for Simmonds. I don't think Dubas envisioned he would need Simmonds or Perry for their scoring prowess, as both have seen better days. I think this could have come down to Cup experience vs. physicality, fighting, and the ability to police a game if needed. Simmonds is, and always was, a way better fighter than Perry. Simmonds can actually hold his own with any player in the NHL today, perhaps sans Reaves.

Should Dubas have signed Perry instead of Simmonds? An argument could be made but we'd have to look at timing. As I said, Perry was Habs property twice since camp.

I think Thornton was brought in for three reasons:

1. Motivation. The only thing missing from Jumbo's case is a Cup. Want to talk about motivation?

2. Role model. Granted, Thornton never won a Cup, but either did Ray Bourque until he arrived in Denver. Jumbo is a legend and a player the kids looked up to over the years -- having him in the room to help mentor them should have been extremely valuable. What I don't agree with is Keefe giving Thornton tons of top line and PP time during the first half of the season. I always thought that was happening because the kids told Keefe they "wanted Joe on their line" -- it just had that feel to it.

3. Versatility. Joe could play wing or middle. Perry is pest winger with decent, aging mitts. He is not versatile, nor can he be used in multiple roles.

Looking back, a player like Jeff Carter would have been outstanding, but he came with a big sticker that the Leafs couldn't afford.

Perry begged the Leafs to sign him for half of what Simmonds got. Dubas must have been in love with Simmonds because Perry was the better move. Perry over Jumbo was also a no brainer.

 

[Donnie740]

Today's game is built around speed and mobility.

Until the playoffs start.

Then speed and mobility gets overwhelmed and shut down by physicality and tight checking.

Leaf fans should realize this by now.

As for Thornton, he might actually be slower than Rasmus Sandin. If you’re all about “speed and mobility” a 41yr old Joke Thornton is the last guy you should want.

 

[Dreakmur]

Perry begged the Leafs to sign him for half of what Simmonds got. Dubas must have been in love with Simmonds because Perry was the better move. Perry over Jumbo was also a no brainer.

I didn’t want Thornton or Perry in the off-season.... but if you were going to sign one, Perry was the clear choice.

As has been mentioned before, Thornton has never been able to raise his own game. Thinking he could show younger players how to do what he can’t was ridiculous.