Sheldon Keefe Expresses Uncertainty on How to Handle Matthew Tkachuk
Things didn't go the way the Maple Leafs had hoped on their first game of the second round since 2004. They played well, but they couldn't stop the Panthers and lost 4-2.
The Matthew Tkachuk line was incredible, and it looks like it is giving Sheldon Keefe a headache.
Keefe Doesn't Know What to Do to Stop Tkachuk
During an interview after today's practice, the Leafs coach revealed that he still isn't sure how to handle Tkachuk's line.
The depth in the Leafs lineup gives Keefe a lot of possibilities, and he's studying all his options before the next game.
In the last few games, Marner and Matthews were separated, but he's considering bringing them back together to face Tkachuk.
Since the playoffs started, Tkachuk has been unbelievable. In only eight games, he has already scored 14 points, including five goals.
If the Leafs can't get Tkachuk under control, they'll have to hope for a miracle to beat the Panthers, especially considering that Sergei Bobrovsky seems to be in good form for the first time in years.
As seen on Hockey Feed - Leafs' Sheldon Keefe exposes uncertain strategy for Game 2
| POLL | ||
MAI 3 | 322 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe Expresses Uncertainty on How to Handle Matthew Tkachuk Do you think Marner and Matthews should play on the same line for game 2 against the Panthers? | ||
| Yes | 266 | 82.6 % |
| No | 56 | 17.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530920.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530913.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
