"It is different than Jack, because I am right here dealing with Jack every day, but I have so much respect for Auston, his game, and the person that he is. To see him have that moment and have that success... talk about leaders who find their way through. He was the captain of the team, and I thought he had a solid, tremendous tournament."
"This is my 20th year coaching, and I've been in the playoffs every year. Last year was probably the tightest it's been, so it is not entirely different, except the gap is more significant. The break itself was a bit of a reset. You kind of settle in, look at where exactly you're at, and you have the time to evaluate."
"I just tried to come back and make our team better - help set ourselves up for success in the short term and in the big picture. I am just trying to focus on each day as it comes. I've liked our game since we came out of the break. It took a bit to get the results."
The Maple Leafs prepare for a game against New Jersey ahead of the trade deadline with several players unavailable. Coach Sheldon Keefe reflects on Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes winning gold for Team USA, expressing respect for both players' performances and leadership. Keefe discusses the challenges of coaching a team in a difficult standings position, noting this is his 20th coaching year with consistent playoff appearances. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining team energy and focusing on daily improvement, particularly during the deadline week. The team's recent performance has shown positive energy despite initial struggles following the break.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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