Don Cherry defends Sheldon Keefe after he was fired by the Maple Leafs

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Tyler Ball
May 10, 2024 (4:44 PM)

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Just one day after his firing the discourse surrounding Sheldon Keefe has continued. Today former NHL coach and analyst Don Cherry commented on the move by the Maple Leafs.

Don Cherry has always been known for speaking his mind and not caring what others think. Many times this has gotten him in trouble or led others to disagree with him. Today he provided a controversial opinion on the move by the Maple Leafs and defended Sheldon Keefe in the process.

The Leafs let Sheldon Keefe go. I know how he feels; it's not fun. For all the Leafs fans, ask yourself this: Switch goalies. Who wins the series? Show me a good coach, and I'll show you a good goalie.

Don Cherry seems to think that goaltending was the difference in this series and he could be right. The Boston Bruins followed the lead of Jeremy Swayman who has an incredible track record against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

HIGHEST SINGLE SEASON SAVE PERCENTAGE VS. MAPLE LEAFS IN EXPANSION ERA (REGULAR & POSTSEASON)

Bernie Parent (1973-74 PHI) - .969 SV%
Jeremy Swayman (2023-24 BOS) - .957 SV%
Bernie Parent (1968-69 PHI) - .955 SV%
Ryan Miller (2008-09 BUF) - .954 SV%

*Min. 5 GP

With this in mind the Toronto Maple Leafs also had their outstanding goaltender Joseph Woll who got them back into the series go down for Game 7 this was a major turning point for the series.

Ilya Samsonov gets the nod in net for Game 7 with Joseph Woll out due to injury.

Of course, goaltending was not the only factor that led to the Toronto Maple Leafs downfall. Their forwards and defensemen also struggled to create chances. While Don Cherry has a good point that there is plenty of blame to go around Sheldon Keefe at the end of the day was the one who the team decided to part ways with.

Source: Hockey Patrol - Don Cherry comments on Leafs firing Keefe