Sheldon Keefe makes surprising comments backing Mitch Marner
Photo credit: Manifesto Sport Management
Just two games into the postseason, it is hard to make a complete evaluation of how players are doing, however, fans are criticizing Mitch Marners' performance thus far in the series. Now, Sheldon Keefe is pushing back on those comments.
Mitch Marner has always had the pressure on during the playoffs. With one of the largest salaries in the NHL, fans expect him to perform well when it counts, in the post-season. While he has lived up to his deal during regular season play, he seems to disappoint Leaf fans most years in the playoffs. This year has been no different, despite being just two games into the post-season, as Marner is being widely criticized online for his play.
However, Sheldon Keefe doesn't agree with fan sentiment on Marner. He recently spoke about Marner's play, saying he has been great for the Leafs defensively in shutting down the Bruins top line.
Despite criticism of his play from the fanbase, Sheldon Keefe has actually praised Mitch Marner's defensive efforts in the series, especially against Bruins' top forward David Pastrnak.
Clearly, a defensive effort doesn't show up on the scoresheet, so fans are more likely to overlook his contributions on that front. However, fans do have a case to make that for 11 million dollars, he should be contributing to both defensive and offensive efforts.
Marner has a chance to perform in front of Leaf fans as game 3 is set to take place tonight in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
24 AVRIL | 144 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe makes surprising comments backing Mitch Marner Do you think that Mitch Marner has been disappointing for the Toronto Maple Leafs this series? | ||
| Yes | 94 | 65.3 % |
| No | 50 | 34.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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