Sheldon Keefe and Maple Leafs Reveal Reason for Scratching Defenseman
The Toronto Maple leafs faced off against the Montreal Canadiens last night in what would have been a huge moment for Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit, who is a Montreal native. However, he was a healthy scratch thanks to a tough decision being made by Sheldon Keefe.
Keefe Explains Why Benoit Was Scratched Against Canadiens
The head coach had to explain the move to the media as fans and reporters alike were a bit taken aback by the move. This would have been Benoit's first career NHL game in his home town. Unfortunately for him though, the Leafs wanted to keep Timothy Liljegren in the lineup due to the fact that he shoots right.
That being said, Keefe did express some guilt in not playing Benoit. He revealed that the decision did not make him feel good, but he thought that it was the best lineup decision he could make.
Says the focus was keeping Timothy Liljegren's right shot in the lineup.
Leafs Fans Not Happy At Keefe For Scratching Benoit In Hometown
While the head coach gave a reasonable reason for Benoit being a healthy scratch last night, it still does not sit well with many Leafs fans. Some criticized the move, comparing him to Mike Babcock, one of the most notorious coaches in Leafs history.
Meanwhile, the Marlies are starting Keith Petruzzelli in his home state of Massachusetts tonight.
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Others simply called the move dumb, noting that decisions like this can make a coach less popular with their players, often hurting the culture and atmosphere in the locker room. One fan called it a 'boneheaded' move. At the very least, it does seem a bit heartless.
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As seen on Leafs reveal controversial reason for sitting hard-hitting defenseman
| POLL | ||
Do you think Keefe made the right choice to scratch Benoit last night? | ||
| Yes | 206 | 16 % |
| No | 914 | 71.2 % |
| Doesn't matter | 164 | 12.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
