Bruce Boudreau takes sly dig at ex-Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Aug 08, 2024 10:30 GMT

Former Vancouver Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau made a subtle jab at former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe. Boudreau emphasized Keefe's defensive coaching skills and suggested that the Leafs' recent defensive acquisitions are a strategic move to enhance their defensive capabilities.

Bruce Boudreau hinted that under the new coaching leadership of Craig Berube, the team would likely become more defensively responsible and accountable than before. On the NHL Network, Boudreau said:

"I don't think it's going to bother him at all. Craig has fought every tough guy in the history of the game. That's pressure. When you're reading the game notes the night before and you got to go against Stu Grimson and those guys every game.

"That's pressure. I think he coaches the way he coaches. He's a really good defensive coach, so that's why they added the added defensemen that they did."

Boudreau went on to say that Sheldon Keefe's coaching style might have lacked the same level of defensive focus Craig brings, indicating a shift towards a tougher and more disciplined approach for the Leafs to complement their offensive strengths.

"I think if the Leafs get a little bit better defensively, to add to that offense, and I think Craig's going to be way more accountable than maybe Sheldon was.

"He was always a tough guy to go against, because the team kept playing the same way, and that's going to make the Leafs a little bit tougher, a little bit more sandpaper."

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Bruce Boudreau impressed with Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive acquisition

Boudreau praised the Maple Leafs' strategic moves to strengthen their defense, highlighting the impact of their three key acquisitions.

The former NHL coach mentioned the importance of having players like Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, noting his potential to significantly contribute to the team's defensive capabilities when performing at his best.

Bruce Boudreau said:

"I really liked what they did with their defense. I mean, the three acquisitions that they made to bolster their defensive, you know, especially when you get tan have. I had Ekman Larson when he's at his best he's still a really good defenseman.

"You know, all of these guys these these guys are really good players in Toronto has already got the offense that they can go they can get the defense now to go with it. I really believe that they can. They can make it past that first round," he added.

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