Toronto Maple Leafs Playing Blame Game

The Toronto Maple Leafs are not good, and Sheldon Keefe knows it. The head coach, who usually defends his players, is done trying to deflect responsibility. Instead, he is pointing reporters in the direction of the problem. After a 5-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks, there are no shortages of issues. It’s no longer acceptable to blame the bounces that didn’t go your way, a hot opposition goalie, or team chemistry. No, there are significant concerns. Are they worthy of throwing jerseys on the ice? No. But there are problems.

Cut or Uncut after 5 games? ???? pic.twitter.com/gZckv0tTJ9
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) October 23, 2021

An easy out would be blaming Toronto’s third-string goalie. Michael Hutchinson was called up from the Marlies and allowed some soft ones. However, Keefe wasn’t placing blame there, “there is a lot more going on than just the goaltender here today. We have to score a lot more than we are.”

Nick Ritchie was Benched

Nick Ritchie was benched for part of the first and second period, so you could blame him. But Keefe isn’t, “I can just tell by the line of questioning I have been getting over the last number of days that we want to pile on Nick Ritchie here, but let’s not narrow the focus too much.” If that wasn’t clear, Keefe said, “You should be asking as many questions about Matthews and Marner today as you should be Ritch.”

While Keefe was pointing out the faults, there was plenty he was responsible for, as well. Straight out the gate, you have to wonder why he elected to play his third-string goalie against a very good-looking San Jose Sharks team. A few days ago, this may have made sense to have Jack Campbell play the second game in a back-to-back against the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, the Pens are without Tristan Jarry and Jeff Carter, who are in COVID-19 protocol. In addition, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust will all miss the game as well.

Pierre Engvall Toronto Maple Leafs — Pierre Engvall, got top-line minutes despite starting on the Toronto Maple Leafs fourth line (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Also, Keefe started changing lines around in the first period. He benched Ritchie and put started playing musical chairs with the line combinations. William Nylander was getting top-line minutes, but the move meant the second line was scrambled. Even Pierre Engvall was on the top line. When a player is benched, the entire team pays. Keefe’s comments show that he didn’t blame Ritchie, yet the whole team was shorthanded. Luckily, the Maple Leafs play again just 21 hours after taking this loss, a win could alleviate some concerns.