On Tuesday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-4 in overtime. The next day, though, their travel to St. Louis was somewhat expensive.
Sheldon Keefe, the head coach of the Maple Leafs, received a fine, the NHL confirmed on Wednesday. Keefe has been assessed a $25,000 punishment by the league for “demeaning actions directed at the officials.”
Keefe, no stranger to controversy, clashed a couple of times with the officials on Tuesday in St. Louis. Some of the most acrimonious arguments were captured by Sportsnet’s broadcast cameras.
Keefe’s major point of contention seems to be related to a third-period incident. Forward Zach Aston-Reese of the Maple Leafs was unmistakably struck in the face during a struggle near the boards. Brandon Saad, a forward for the St. Louis Blues, was not called for high sticking, though.
It’s a little difficult to watch Zach Aston-Reese get stitched up on the table after the game. But Keefe told reporters following the victory on Tuesday, “We’re thrilled with the two points.
Keefe assured the reporters that the event was behind him after receiving his fine. They had won, the game was finished, and that was that.
Listen: The game makes you feel things. You are engaging in competition just like everyone else, Keefe added. But after the game ended, especially after scoring two points, I don’t give any of it any thought or attention.
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On Wednesday, the league continued after the Maple Leafs head coach. For breaking the terms of the collective bargaining agreement of the league regarding travel over the Christmas holiday, the NHL also penalized Maple Leaf’s organization.
The Leafs play again on Thursday when they take on the Arizona Coyotes. Defenseman Morgan Rielly, who recently lost time due to an injury, is probably going to play in that game.
