|
"Today's decision was difficult," Maple Leafs
general manager Brad Treliving said in a news release. "Sheldon
is an excellent coach and a great man; however, we determined a
new voice is needed to help the team push through to reach our
ultimate goal. We thank Sheldon for his hard work and dedication
to the organization over the last nine years, and wish him and
his family all the very best."
Keefe, a 43-year-old Ontario native, leaves Toronto with a
212-97-40 record (.665) in 349 regular-season games since taking
over in November 2019 after Mike Babcock was relieved of his
duties.
His winning percentage (.432) in the postseason wasn't as good,
with the Maple Leafs qualifying for the playoffs each season
under Keefe but going 16-21. Toronto advanced out of the first
round only once in his tenure, losing in the second round last
spring, despite three 100-point seasons.
This season, the Maple Leafs totaled 102 points, finishing third
in the Atlantic Division with a 46-26-10 record.
Toronto has not won the Stanley Cup since the 1966-67 season.
Keefe was the head coach of the club's American Hockey League
team, the Toronto Marlies, for five seasons before moving to the
Maple Leafs' bench.
In the series with the Bruins, the Leafs were just 1-for-21 on
the power play -- a 4.8 percent conversion rate compared to
23.95 percent in the regular season. They averaged 3.63 goals
per game in the regular season but scored just 12 times in seven
games in the first round (1.71 goals average).
"Leafs Nation, the time has come to say goodbye," Keefe said in
a video posted on social media. "... I'm forever grateful for
the opportunity to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was a dream
come for a boy from Brampton. ... I didn't get it done in
playoffs. I didn't help push our team over the line and deliver.
I accept responsibility for that. No excuses."
Keefe became the 11th coach to be fired this season. In
addition, Rick Bowness retired Monday, leaving the Winnipeg
Jets.
--Field Level Media [© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be
published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely
responsible for this content. |
|
