Publicly called out players, an injury-plagued roster, and consecutive losses in regulation have put the pressure on the Maple Leafs. They face the Washington Capitals on Thursday night, needing to respond effectively.
Following Coach Sheldon Keefe’s decision to cancel practice due to a shortage of players, Captain John Tavares took accountability for the team’s lackluster performance in the recent loss against the New Jersey Devils. Tavares emphasized the importance of setting a high standard as the captain and vowed to improve his contributions to the team.
Keefe, rarely addressing the team directly after a loss, made a point to do so this time, singling out Tavares and other players for their roles. He stressed Tavares’s significance as a leader and urged him to set the tone for the team’s performance.
Despite not specifying which players were nursing injuries, Keefe hinted at several players’ physical ailments preventing them from practicing fully. However, he expressed optimism that some would recover in time for the upcoming game against the Capitals.
While goalie Ilya Samsonov expressed readiness to return after dealing with a muscle contusion, Joseph Woll will start in the next game. The Leafs aim to break their losing streak and avoid a third consecutive regulation loss for the first time since January.
Although Mitch Marner showed promise during skating sessions, Keefe ruled him out for the next few games as he continues his recovery from a high ankle sprain. Despite this setback, Marner’s progress is encouraging, and the team remains optimistic about his eventual return.