John Tavares Breaks Silence On Benching Decision By Leafs Coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs had something occur that hasn't been seen all too often during the big four era in Toronto. Captain John Tavares was benched during the final period of their recent game.
After the game Tavares spoke to the media about the game and the decision.
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a marquee matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. The Maple Leafs came out strong and took a 3-0 lead. As they were feeling good and confident things would only start to slide downhill.
The Maple Leafs would start to slide and give up not one or two or three or four goals but five goals in a row. During this slide, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe made a shocking decision to bench captain John Tavares.
Tavares would go on to play only three minutes of the third period against the Avalanche and the Maple Leafs would indeed lose. Since the game ended Tavares was able to comment on being benched and the situation moving forward.
On Tuesday while speaking with the media Tavares finally addressed being benched during the disappointing loss. In his comments, Tavares once again shows why he was chosen as a leader of the Maple Leafs.
A lot of players in that situation would have gotten disengaged from the game or frustrated. Instead, Tavares continued to support his teammates and stay prepared for his moment to contribute again.
While Tavares didn't get an opportunity to lead his team on the ice against the Avalanche he will certainly get to do so when the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid come to town. Watch for Tavares to have some extra jump after being sent a message by Keefe.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily
John Tavares responds to being benched by Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe
| POLL | ||
Will captain John Tavares re-sign with the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 823 | 56.7 % |
| No | 629 | 43.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
