From kristen_shilton: Keefe urging Leafs to stay level-headed ahead of do-or-die Game 5. MORE:
TORONTO — If the Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets have made anything apparent about their NHL qualifying-round series it’s that, frankly, anything is possible.
Toronto was down 3-0 and less than four minutes from being eliminated from the postseason on Friday whenJohn TavaresAnd then, with 22.2 seconds remaining in regulation,Auston MatthewsIt was a startling turn of events for the Leafs, especially after playing like a team defeated for much of that game’s second half. The night before, it had been Toronto in Columbus’ shoes, leading 3-0 midway through the second before giving up four unanswered goals in a 4-3 overtime defeat.
It’s crucial to Keefe that his players heed that message and play accordingly come Sunday. Although he gave the Leafs a day off from the ice on Saturday, Keefe still convened the team at their practice rink for a meeting, to ensure everyone’s focus was sharpened. Keefe made it clear after Game 3 he was disappointed with the lack of “plan or purpose” Toronto had to its structure, and the Leafs know winning the series will require an about-face in that category.
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