Based on the search results provided, there were several key reasons behind Sheldon Keefe’s firing as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs:
1. Lack of playoff success
– The Maple Leafs failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs in 4 out of Keefe’s 5 seasons as head coach.
– Keefe had a 16-21 overall record in the playoffs, unable to get the team over the hump and into deeper playoff runs.
2. Being outcoached in the playoffs
– Keefe was repeatedly outcoached by opposing coaches like Jon Cooper, Jim Montgomery, and Dominic Ducharme in the playoffs.
– The Maple Leafs struggled to make effective in-game adjustments and line matchups against their playoff opponents.
3. Failure to make necessary changes.
– Keefe was criticized for sticking with the same lines and power play units even when they were struggling, rather than making changes to try to spark the team.
– He was accused of trusting his players too much and not making the adjustments needed in the playoffs.
4. Underperformance of star players
– Key Maple Leafs players like Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly failed to show up and perform in the playoffs under Keefe’s leadership.
– The team also lacked a consistent star goaltender during Keefe’s tenure, which hurt their playoff chances.
In the end, despite strong regular season performances, Keefe’s inability to guide the Maple Leafs to playoff success led to his dismissal, with the team’s management determining that a “new voice” was needed to help the team reach their “ultimate goal.”