Criticism of Maple Leafs Effort Unsupported – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe was criticized for his statement following his team's 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

When asked about his team's effort after the loss, Keefe replied, “There's nothing wrong with our level of effort here tonight. The boys compete. Physical hockey. The boys are trying. It's a good team over there. It limits us. You can ask many things, you can't doubt the effort. “

The media criticized Keefe for those words. We even heard a former NHLer say on the radio that if Keefe thinks he's out of touch with reality.

Criticisms of Maple Leafs Efforts Are Off-Base

After the Maple Leafs' recent playoff loss to the Bruins, Keefe has come under scrutiny for his talk of team effort. His assertion that “there is nothing wrong with our level of effort here tonight” sparked controversy, with critics questioning his grasp of reality. However, in the midst of all this controversy, we defend Keefe's test.

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He was dead set on the effort of his players. It's hard to believe that a professional NHL player playing in a playoff game wouldn't give it his best effort. We would also like to ask all former NHL paymasters who are now involved in the media if they have ever played a single NHL postseason game in which they came out trying to win.

Let's shake the Stanley Cup championship tree for a minute. There are many reasons why teams lose and players fail. All groups except one fail. Often, not just some of us but everyone fails. Even great hockey teams don't win all the time. In any tournament, there is more than one player or team competing. One team will win, and one will lose.

Admittedly, there may come a time when players or teams realize that they are not going to win and they may give up at those times and accept defeat. However, they are still making their best effort until then. We don't believe there is a player on the Maple Leafs who is at that point.

With the Maple Leafs, we see a team that wants to win and that gives their all in trying to do so. So is Keefe. What they are doing is not working. They make mistakes. They don't score enough goals. They lost puck battles. There are many reasons why they lose. Effort is not one of them.

Can Any NHL Player Not Try Hard During The Playoffs?

The idea that NHL players will lack effort in a playoff game seems absurd. Keefe's statement is very touching – how can anyone doubt the dedication of these athletes competing at the highest level? As former NHL players turn to media personalities to criticize Keefe, we're forced to ask if they've ever played a postseason game without giving it their all — even if someone else called it a call.

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It is important to note that losing in sports has many aspects. Teams lose, players fail, but that doesn't mean you don't try hard. While some players may succumb to the inevitability of defeat, it does not diminish the effort put in until that final moment.

In the case of the Maple Leafs, we see a determined team. They strive to win, play hard, and get frustrated publicly when things don't work out. However, despite their best efforts, they fail. Mistakes are made, and opportunities are missed, but their effort is not the cause.

Hockey commentator comes from Mitch Marner

In the following video, fans can see Paul Bissonnette walk out on Mitch Marner during the second half of Game 4. His criticism was blunt and to the point. But it crosses the line to call out Marner's lack of effort. The mistakes are well-defined, and Marner makes several of them in a shared recording sequence.

That said, Bissonnette expressed frustration with what he said they have sinned like Marner's lack of effort throughout the series. But it's his opinion. Criticizing Marner's approach is different from criticizing his commitment. Pointing out certain mistakes, such as losing puck battles and failing to block a shot on the penalty kill, are all fine. His conclusion that Marner didn't deserve his ice time and should be benched to make an example is what he was paid to do as a commentator. His comments left no doubt about his belief that Marner's effort was inadequate and unacceptable.

Bissonnette Doesn't Know Marner's Effort Level

However, Bissonnette does not know what Marner's attempt was. And that was his fault. It's fair for him to criticize the Maple Leafs' lack of success, but Marner's level of effort is beyond his control.

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Coach Keefe's defense of his players' “try” illustrates an important truth about professional sports – effort alone does not guarantee victory. As the Maple Leafs face the challenges of tonight's Game 5, they must address their shortcomings and change their strategies. However, underestimating the players' dedication or questioning their desire to win may show more frustration for the accuser than the Maple Leafs players.

In a game where success doesn't exist and defeat is a reality, we believe that players' effort is always the reason for their engagement with the game.

It's Only Fair Game to Call Those Who Call Others

It makes sense in the sense that if someone feels justified in criticizing the efforts of a player or team, they should be open to criticism for their efforts. It is a form of accountability and fairness. If a person is quick to point fingers at others, they must also be willing to turn that scrutiny inside out.

In sports commentary, former players turned media outlets sometimes criticize teams and players for their perceived lack of effort. However, if these people have ever stood on the same ice, it is reasonable to ask if they have experienced periods of struggle or wavered in their efforts.

Listening to Bissonnette's words about Marner is great entertainment. It is also possible to express the frustration that many of us, as fans, feel about our team's failure. But that doesn't mean you're right.

The Maple Leafs could lose tonight or sometime down the road in this series. But to say it's because they don't care or don't try hard is a cheap analysis. It's not right either.

[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]