Sheldon Keefe calls out Maple Leafs fans for being a distraction

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Dawson Mckenzie
April 14, 2024 (11:18)

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Auston Matthews is close to getting a career milestone of 70 goals in a season, and that has been the focus of pretty much everyone over the last few games. Now, it looks like Sheldon Keefe might not be happy with that.

It was obvious last night whenever Auston Matthews touched the puck that everyone was watching in anticipation of him potentially scoring his milestone 70th goal of the season. That was especially clear after he scored his 69th, and Leaf fans erupted as they knew he could hit the marker last night.

AUSTON MATTHEWS HAS 69 GOALS! 🚨

However, with all the attention comes some criticism, that maybe the Leafs aren't playing their best game if all they are trying to do is give Matthews the puck to score 70 goals, and that can be a distraction. After the game, Sheldon Keefe was asked about the fans and Matthews' pursuit of 70 goals, to which he said that it was becoming a distraction.

Yeah, I mean, obviously, that's a major distraction. It doesn't help us, what we're trying to accomplish on the ice. But it's exciting. I get it. And it's-- especially when he gets to 69, you can see it. It's really-- it's growing, anticipating. And now you're feeding it. I'm feeding it. I want it to happen. But I wanted it for the fans. But I'm glad the game's over. Let's move on."

While it is understandable that Keefe wants to keep his eye on making sure the team is playing well going into playoffs, it is poignant that he thinks it is a major distraction. They have already made the playoffs, obviously barring any major bad habits forming I don't think there is anything wrong with feeding Matthews to reach his 70th goal.

We will see if he hits in his remaining games this season, and the distraction can be over with.