Sheldon Keefe on the argument between Nylander, Matthews, and Marner on the bench in Game 4: "In the past, that wouldn't have happened... Guys wouldn't have talked" - Maple Leafs Hot Stove | Canada News Media
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Sheldon Keefe on the argument between Nylander, Matthews, and Marner on the bench in Game 4: "In the past, that wouldn't have happened… Guys wouldn't have talked" – Maple Leafs Hot Stove

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Sheldon Keefe, Toronto Maple Leafs practice

After Sunday’s off day, Sheldon Keefe discussed the letdown of Game 4, the team’s mindset heading out on the road to Boston, the argument on the bench between William Nylander, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner, and the status of Matthews’ health.

What is your message to the group after the Game 4 loss?

Keefe: It is just about recognizing where we are at here. We are in here today recovering and meeting because we are still alive in this series. We have an opportunity now where the schedule has given us a couple of days — a recovery day, a chance to discuss some things, and a practice day tomorrow before we get out on the road in a building where we won the last time we were there.

There are reasons for optimism. We are trying to make sure the players are aware and it is front of mind. We have to recognize what is ahead and how difficult it is going to be, but at the same time, know that we are preparing to win one hockey game.

What has to change to get your game back on track?

Keefe: Special teams are the biggest thing, right? There is one area that really stood out last night. Our power play had a chance to really get us going in that first period. It failed to do so. That was the most disappointing part of the game—the urgency level wasn’t higher at that particular time. That is a big one.

This series and these games that we have been in are far closer than it may appear. We need little things to shift over into our favour, starting with special teams, whether we are one finished chance away or one extra save away. The one game we won in this series was the game in which we scored a power-play goal at an important time and got a penalty kill at an important time. We need something like that to shift in our favour. One fewer mistake and one more positive puck going the other way.

That is how close it is. Even last night, we were not performing well as a team at all. When we gave up the goal in the first period, the shots were 5-3 for us at that time. We had given up three shots in the first period. It is a lot closer than it appears. We just need to get things to move over onto our side of the ledger.

Are you looking for a different level of urgency and desperation? 

Keefe: If you have to talk about urgency and desperation at this time of year, you are in trouble. Last night, on our first power play, to me, it was the most disappointing area of the game in that sense — urgency and such — but otherwise, we have played hard and competed. Last night was not a great night for us, but we got 50 hits again in the game, and we only gave up 22 shots. You don’t do those things unless you are defending with some urgency and competing. I think we have been good in that regard.

It is less about recognizing you are facing elimination and more about looking at it as an opportunity to go in on the road, give ourselves some life in the series, and bring it back home for a chance to get it right.

Has there been any improvement in how Auston Matthews is feeling?

Keefe: Not much update there. Luckily, we have a couple of days here. We thought the last couple of days would help us. For whatever reason, it is not one of those everyday, run-of-the-mill illnesses that come and go. It has lingered. The effects have lingered and gotten worse when he gets on the ice and asserts himself. We have to manage that and give him the time that he needs. We are hopeful that it will turn.

Are you considering changes to the top power-play unit?

Keefe: Last night, we made changes to the top power-play unit, and it got worse, not better. We will consider and talk about everything. We have time on our side in that sense. Today is less about such discussions and more about diagnosing some of the things that have been problematic while looking at some of the things that have gone well for us in the series and how we can continue to embrace and build upon those. Tomorrow, we will start to have discussions about the lineup and things like that.

The argument on the bench last night—do you consider it divisive, or is it something that might bring your team closer together? How do you view it the day after?

Keefe: I see it as something that happens when things aren’t going well. In the past, that wouldn’t have happened. Guys wouldn’t have talked—if you want to call it argue—it out. I look at it as progress. Those guys care. I don’t look at it as frustration. I look at it as the guys being upset and pissed off that they didn’t deliver for the team. They are pushing and challenging each other to get it right.

The better thing for me is the remainder of the game and the next opportunities we had at 6-on-5 and those types of things. They were working together, talking about it, making a plan, and talking in the intermissions.

These guys have been together for a long time. They are pushing and challenging each other to get it right. They know how important they are to the team. When they are not delivering, they recognize it. I don’t look at it as much more than that. Quite honestly, it is not the first time it has happened.

Is it something you feel you need to address in the moment, or is it something you leave for the players to take care of?

Keefe: Quite honestly, I was at the other end of the bench when it occurred. I don’t look at it as a big deal. I think it is important that those guys work through some things and figure it out.

They have great responsibility for our team and to our team. They take it very seriously. They are going to work together to find their way. That work together is really important not just for them but the remainder of our group. We all have to pull together. It is going to take that type of team effort to help us work our way through this.

What gives you the confidence that the team can push back? What has stood out about your team’s ability in that area throughout the year? 

Keefe: It is our ability as a team. We have a good team here. This series and games are a lot closer than it may appear. Last time we went to Boston, we were able to pull out a very good and important win. Throughout the season, we have responded well, particularly on the road.

For those reasons, we have to keep the focus narrow and control what we can control. Today is a good recovery day where we can get our minds right. We will get to work tomorrow and then head out to Boston.

What was your sense of William Nylander’s game coming off of his absence? How much room does he have to grow into the series?

Keefe: It was good for him to get the game. I thought he got better as it wore on. He looked like a guy who is definitely adjusting to the series and what is required for success. Some of the things he was looking to do are not available. This team defends very well, and he needs to adapt to the series. He will.

We talked to him about it. He was in our meetings during the series. It is another thing to get out there and execute. Willy is a guy who knows he can make a difference and wants to make a difference. He will make adjustments going into the next game that will help him.

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Champions Trophy host Pakistan says it’s not been told India wants to play cricket games elsewhere

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November 8, 2024

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LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.

“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”

Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.

The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.

Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.

“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”

Pakistan hosted last year’s Asia Cup but all India games were played in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model for the tournament. Only months later Pakistan did travel to India for the 50-over World Cup.

Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.

“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”

The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.

“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”

Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.

“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.

___

AP cricket:

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Dabrowski, Routlife into WTA doubles final with win over Melichar-Martinez, Perez

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November 8, 2024

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Ottawa‘s Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand are through to the doubles final at the WTA Finals after a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Australia’s Ellen Perez in semifinal action Friday.

Dabrowski and Routliffe won a hard-fought first set against serve when Routliffe’s quick reaction at the net to defend a Perez shot gave the duo set point, causing Perez to throw down her racket in frustration.

The second seeds then cruised through the second set, winning match point on serve when Melichar-Martinez couldn’t handle Routliffe’s shot.

The showdown was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which Melichar-Martinez and Perez won in a super tiebreak.

Dabrowski and Routliffe will face the winner of a match between Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, and Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Saturday.

Dabrowski is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a WTA Finals title.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.

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Winger Tajon Buchanan back with Canada after recovering from broken leg

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November 8, 2024

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Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan, recovered from a broken leg suffered in training at this summer’s Copa America, is back in Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont., underwent surgery July 3 to repair a fractured tibia in Texas.

Canada, ranked 35th in the world, plays No. 136 Suriname on Nov. 15 in Paramaribo. The second leg of the aggregate series is four days later at Toronto’s BMO Field.

There is also a return for veteran winger Junior Hoilett, who last played for Canada in June in a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands in Marsch’s debut at the Canadian helm. The 34-year-old from Brampton, now with Scotland’s Hibernian, has 15 goals in 63 senior appearances for Canada.

Midfielder Ismael Kone, recovered from an ankle injury sustained on club duty with France’s Marseille, also returns. He missed Canada’s last three matches since the fourth-place Copa America loss to Uruguay in July.

But Canada will be without centre back Derek Cornelius, who exited Marseille’s win Sunday over Nantes on a stretcher after suffering an apparent rib injury.

The Canadian men will prepare for Suriname next week at a camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“We are looking forward to getting the group together again with the mindset that there is a trophy on the line,” Marsch said in a statement. “We want to end 2024 the right way with two excellent performances against a competitive Suriname squad and continue building on our tremendous growth this past summer.”

The quarterfinal winners advance to the Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., with the two semifinals scheduled for March 20 and the final and third-place playoff March 23, and qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Thirteen of the 23 players on the Canadian roster are 25 or younger, with 19-year-old defender Jamie Knight-Lebel, currently playing for England’s Crewe Alexandra on loan from Bristol City, the youngest.

Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies captains the side with Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Richie Laryea, Alistair Johnston and Kamal Miller adding veteran support.

Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Theo Bair are joined in attack by Minnesota United’s Tani Oluwaseyi.

Niko Sigur, a 21-year-old midfielder with Croatia’s Hadjuk Split, continues in the squad after making his debut in the September friendly against Mexico.

Suriname made it to the Nations League quarterfinals by finishing second to Costa Rica in Group A of the Nations League, ahead of No. 104 Guatemala, No. 161 Guyana and unranked Martinique and Guadeloupe.

“A good team,” Osorio said of Suriname. “These games are always tricky and they’re not easy at all … Suriname is a (former) Dutch colony and they’ll have Dutch players playing at high levels.”

“They won’t be someone we overlook at all,” added the Toronto FC captain, who has 81 Canada caps to his credit.

Located on the northeast coast of South America between Guyana and French Guiana, Suriname was granted independence in 1975 by the Netherlands.

Canada has faced Suriname twice before, both in World Cup qualifying play, winning 4-0 in suburban Chicago in June 2021 and 2-1 in Mexico City in October 1977.

The Canadian men, along with Mexico, the United States and Panama, received a bye into the final eight of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Canada, No. 2 in the CONCACAF rankings, drew Suriname as the best-placed runner-up from League A play.

Canada lost to Jamaica in last year’s Nations League quarterfinal, ousted on the away-goals rule after the series ended in a 4-4 draw. The Canadians lost 2-0 to the U.S. in the final of the 2022-23 tournament and finished fifth in 2019-20.

Canada defeated Panama 2-1 last time out, in an Oct. 15 friendly in Toronto.

Goalkeepers Maxime Crepeau and Jonathan Sirois, defenders Joel Waterman, Laryea and Miller and Osorio took part in a pre-camp this week in Toronto for North America-based players.

Canada Roster

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Portland Timbers (MLS); Jonathan Sirois, CF Montreal (MLS); Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United FC (MLS).

Defenders: Moise Bombito, OGC Nice (France); Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich (Germany); Richie Laryea, Toronto FC (MLS); Alistair Johnston, Celtic (Scotland); Jamie Knight-Lebel. Crewe Alexandra, on loan from Bristol City (England); Kamal Miller, Portland Timbers (MLS); Joel Waterman, CF Montreal (MLS).

Midfielders: Ali Ahmed. Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Tajon Buchanan, Inter Milan (Italy); Mathieu Choiniere, Grasshopper Zurich (Switzerland); Stephen Eustaquio, FC Porto (Portugal); Junior Hoilett, Hibernian FC (Scotland); Ismael Kone, Olympique Marseille (France); Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC (MLS); Jacob Shaffelburg, Nashville SC (MLS); Niko Sigur, Hadjuk Split (Croatia).

Forwards: Theo Bair, AJ Auxerre (France); Jonathan David, LOSC Lille (France); Cyle Larin, RCD Mallorca (Spain); Tani Oluwaseyi, Minnesota United (MLS).

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.

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