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“We didn't play as bad as the score showed, but things like that happen, especially at this time of the year… We'll move on.”

Sheldon Keefe, Toronto Maple Leafs postgame
Sheldon Keefe, Toronto Maple Leafs postgame

Sheldon Keefe spoke to the media following the Maple Leafs' 6-5 loss to the New Jersey Devils, which dropped the team's record to 46-24-9.


About the carelessness of the game:

It was a loose game and a strange game. We scored on the first shot in the first shift. Then we gave them some gifts.

Strange game tonight. It's not something you like, but we're moving on.

Was it part of a late season game:

These things happen. We didn't play as bad as the score indicated, but things like that happen, especially this time of year. We will continue.

On the potential of a Nylander-Tavares-Marner line:

I see a lot of potential in it. I wanted to get them some reps. I see it as something to go through the game when it's hard to get a rhythm with three lines. I think it's a way to lighten it up a little bit and get those guys out.

I thought they were really good tonight.

Max Domi tackles Simon Nemec and the impact of losing Domi in the box for 17 minutes:

Max is involved with the team and responds to any situation he deems necessary to resolve. You will love it.

It has an impact on the game. Not only will you kill the charge, but it will disrupt the rhythm and flow of the chair. But we can. You have to be able to control and manage this.

He played very well, especially losing him for 17 minutes is not great.

Performed by Ilya Samsonov:

We hung him out to dry early in the hockey game, so we're not going to give him much of a chance today. We are a team. We also need him to move forward.

It was special for us and the next time will be great. I was watching him before the game, I don't remember the number, but it struck me how few losses he had this season. What he has given us this season is incredible.

He washes it off quickly.

On how much Max knew about Domi's playmaking ability before Domi joined the Leafs:

A little bit. I saw it in full display in London many years ago.

It's clear that he's had that ability throughout his career, when we take a closer look at his game when we get him. His connection with Auston was great and great to watch. That's something we haven't gotten to this part of the season for a variety of reasons.

There's Mitch and Auston and their bond, and Willie and Auston. When we moved Max to center early in the season, he really started to thrive and gave us a third-line center option.

All of this prevented us from doing it, but the connection was great. Max is playing his part very well in this way. Auston seems to like him. He is free and does his own thing.

Burt's role in this process is integral. If you disrupt Burt's play, he will get pucks, move them, get to the net and create space for others.

The way the three of them worked was really cool.

On how much he cares about home-ice advantage in the first round:

We play games. We try to win every game. Wherever the games are played, we will be ready.

Here's how the team wants Auston Matthews to score his 70th goal in Saturday's final home game of the season:

That would be great. 70 is a good number to aim for, but what he's doing now is pretty cool. He is rewriting the record books. Many Leafs fans have never seen so many NHL goals in their lives.

This is very surprising. Who knows where this will end up, but I wouldn't put any limits on it. It's just perfect.

I thought tonight was the first time, especially after he got the first one, I saw us start forcing him a little bit, and things started to break down. I didn't like to see that. He doesn't need it. Just play the game. It is good enough. It finds its way to his staff.

He himself continued to play hard, guide us and accept his network and peers. Fans saw it tonight. He will stay there again on Saturday.

About the family of Rodion Amirov, who came to the game:

I don't know many details. We haven't had a chance to meet them yet, but I knew it was happening and it was a game they were bringing the family to. It's been something that's been in the works for a while.

It was very successful. Rodion's time here had an impact on our group. The incident is very sad. The family should be here in Toronto to watch their son play in the NHL. It's obviously an emotional time.

I really felt like a family. Plus, it's great to have them here. I'm glad they had that moment and the fans recognized it.

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