When Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe specifically mentioned John Tavares as one of several seasoned players who played a “immature” game in a 6-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, it caused quite a stir.
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After the Devils’ defeat, Sheldon Keefe criticizes John Tavares and the other key players, saying, “They’ve Got to Be The Example.”
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Keefe noted that Tavares was simply added and not particularly singled out in his remarks, with 11 games remaining in the regular season. Keefe shared the same feelings about the team’s performance with the group as he did with the media after the game, which is something he doesn’t do unless the team wins. This was evident after the team’s defeat.
“I felt it was needed so they had a pretty good sense of where I was at,” Keefe stated. “We chatted, we had a meeting today just about reframing things and recognizing the things that I didn’t like and the things that I feel they shouldn’t like about last night and press on.”
Tavares addressed the matter on Wednesday and thought Keefe’s remarks were appropriate.
“I think especially as the captain, you really want to be at the top of the list for being accountable and setting the standard and the way we need to play,” Tavares stated. In the second quarter, I believed I had a chance to make a play, but I miscalculated. I’m responsible for that. Thus, it goes without saying that you must maintain your accountability, hold yourself to a high standard, especially in your capacity as captain, and act morally.”
Although Tavares did not name the play, the captain has been having a rough season. Tavares was benched for the most of the third period in a game against the Colorado Avalanche earlier this season. Prior to recently returning to both of those duties, he was demoted to the team’s third line and missed some games while playing outside of the first power-play unit for the club.
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“I Believe The Message Was Received,” Maple Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe Says About John Tavares’ Benching Against the Avalanche in the Third Period.
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Given that he has observed this problem with his main players over the years, Keefe gave off the impression of a coach who was frustrated with his squad taking shifts off.
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