Sheldon Keefe Benches Key Top-Six Forward in Critical Third Period
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost a key game tonight as they fell to the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 on home ice. The team came out of the 1t period with a 3-0 lead but would not score again. As the game wore on, head coach Sheldon Keefe started holding players accountable for their play.
Keefe Benches Bertuzzi During Third Period Against Avalanche
While the Leafs played well in the 1st period, things took a turn in the second as the team ultimately found themselves tied going into the final frame. Head coach Sheldon Keefe decided to bench some of the players who he felt played the poorest in the middle frame, namely Tyler Bertuzzi.
Three each for John Tavares and Matthew Knies.
Bertuzzi has been in and out of Keefe's doghouse this season although lately he has seemingly been on the coach's good side. Things can change fast in the National Hockey League though as seen by Keefe's treatment of him and of the Leafs blowing a three-goal lead in one period of play.
Bertuzzi has been largely hit or miss this season and it seems as though he may have made a poor decision by signing a one-year deal with the Leafs. His play so far could limit how much he will get on his next deal. The Leafs likely will not be bringing him back though, so that is not a problem for the Leafs going forward.
As seen on Tyler Bertuzzi benched in the third period by Sheldon Keefe.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Bertuzzi deserved to be benched in the 3rd period? | ||
| Yes | 538 | 45.5 % |
| No | 645 | 54.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
