NHL analyst predicts how Toronto Maple Leafs fans will react to reunion with Sheldon Keefe
The New Jersey Devils are in Toronto tonight and one analyst thinks he knows how Leafs fans will react to seeing Sheldon Keefe.
Tonight, Sheldon Keefe will be visiting Scotiabank Arena for the first time as a head coach of a visiting club.
The Leafs famously parted ways with Keefe after the team lost in the first round of the playoffs last May.
The Leafs and Devils have met once before this season, but it was in New Jersey where the Leafs took home the victory.
After that one, Keefe refused to give his former club credit, instead opting to focus on what his own players needed to improve on.
Ahead of tonight's matchup, NHL analyst James Duthie believes Leafs fans will be welcoming to their former head coach, despite the fact that he never achieved postseason success with the team.
"I think he did a really good job here. You know, obviously he couldn't get them over the hump, but I think he was a good coach and good citizen while he was here. I think he did a lot of good for himself on his way out.
Not that should matter in the way you're evaluated afterwards, but, you know, just thank you. You know, there was no bitterness whatsoever. So I think he'll definitely get a warm reception, and he deserves it, and he's done a great job in Jersey, right?"
Not that should matter in the way you're evaluated afterwards, but, you know, just thank you. You know, there was no bitterness whatsoever. So I think he'll definitely get a warm reception, and he deserves it, and he's done a great job in Jersey, right?"
It will certainly be an interesting moment in Toronto this evening when Sheldon Keefe's name is announced.
Will James be correct in that Leafs fans will cheer for him? Or will things go in the complete other direction?
Tune in tonight at 7 PM EST to find out.
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