The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils have not really had a strong rivalry with one another in past seasons. However, that seems to have changed at least for the 2024-25 NHL season. Former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was hired by the New Jersey Devils to take over as their new head coach. The hiring of Keefe by the New Jersey Devils seems to have sparked a new rivalry between the two sides.
With an early season matchup fans did not have to wait long to see Sheldon Keefe go up against his replacement Craig Berube. Sheldon Keefe of course was hoping for revenge on his former team. However, a 2-point night from Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz catapulted them to a 4-2 win.
After the game, Sheldon Keefe got an opportunity to speak to the media and address how he thought things went against his former team. His comments are now drawing criticism online from fans.
Sheldon Keefe took the podium after his team's 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. At one point he was asked how he felt his former team played. When answering that question Sheldon Keefe did not credit the Toronto Maple Leafs but instead bashed his own team.
Sheldon Keefe clearly was not happy with the New Jersey Devils' effort last night as they were handed their first loss of the season. Keefe's full comments from last night's game against the Maple Leafs can be found here. It is incredible how just a few months can pass and Sheldon Keefe has gone from praising the Maple Leafs organization to refusing to give them credit. Even after being fired, Keefe complimented the Maple Leafs and their players as he said goodbye.
For now, the advantage in the series between Sheldon Keefe and Craig Berube goes to the Maple Leafs' new bench boss Craig Berube. Sheldon Keefe will have an opportunity to get in the win column against the Maple Leafs on December 10th as the Maple Leafs will once again travel to New Jersey.
POLL | ||
Do you think Sheldon Keefe was being disrespectful by not praising the Toronto Maple Leafs after losing to them? | ||
Yes | 155 | 38.2 % |
No | 251 | 61.8 % |
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