Sheldon Keefe reveals he has made some changes to the Leafs powerplay
The Toronto Maple Leafs have forced a game seven against the Boston Bruins despite the fact that their powerplay has not been successful. After game six Sheldon Keefe suggested that there will be changes coming in game seven.
Some fans might be surprised to hear that the Leafs are actually tied for having drawn the most penalties among teams in the NHL playoffs. Through six games against the Bruins, they have been on the man advantage 20 times. However, they have managed to find the back of the net just once on the powerplay. By comparison, the Edmonton Oilers have also drawn 20 penalties, but they have scored nine times on their chances.
T1. Leafs 20 / 1
T1. Oilers 20 / 9!
T1. Lightning 20 / 4
4. Predators 19 / 2
5. Capitals 17 / 2
After game six, Sheldon Keefe revealed that the powerplay has been a point of emphasis for the team. He says that the team has started to focus more on finishing as that is the only missing piece. Of course, missing William Nylander and Auston Matthews will make finishing a bit more difficult as those are the two best goal-scorers on the team.
Sheldon Keefe: "We're not going to decline the power play, no"
Coach says they've changed a lot on PP through series
Notes some of it is about execution, which led to more focus on it
"No better time for it to happen than Game 7"
The fan reaction to the Leafs woes on the powerplay has been a bit harsh. Jesse Blake from SDPN, a networking focusing on the Leafs, suggested that it could even be one of the worst powerplays in NHL history. At the very least, their current 1/20 skid is certainly up there in terms of short-term droughts.
Other fans have agreed though, noting that the Leafs have been brutal on the man advantage against the Bruins. It is certainly hard to go far in the playoffs with such a weak powerplay. That being said, a goal on the man advantage in game seven could make fans forget all of it if it means the team moves on to the second round.
| POLL | ||
Who do you think will win game seven between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins? | ||
| Leafs | 407 | 50.9 % |
| Bruins | 392 | 49.1 % |
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