With his team on the brink of elimination and his best player uncertain to play, Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe was still preaching optimism as his team prepared to play Game 5 against the Bruins on Tuesday at TD Garden.
One of the reasons he gave for his hopeful nature is playing at TD Garden. That’s an unusual tact for the visiting coach to take.
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But Toronto has more road wins (24) than home ones (22) this season and its only win against the Bruins since 2022 came at TD Garden.
“We’re still alive. The schedule has allowed us to have a couple of days, today is a recovery day, tomorrow is a practice day then we get out on the road to go out and play in the building where we won last time we were there,” Keefe said. “The reasons for optimism are there. We’re just trying to make sure the players are aware and that’s still front of mind.”
Keefe said while his team has been outscored 14-7 and has been dominated on special teams, the games have been closer than the scores indicated.
“This series and these games, they’re far closer than it may appear. We need little things to shift over into our favor, starting with special teams,” Keefe said. “Whether we’re one finished chance or one extra save away from shifting that into our favor. One less mistake and one more positive going our way.
“We have a good team,” he added. “Last time we went to Boston we were able to pull out a very good, an important win, he said. “Throughout the season we’ve responded well, in particular on the road.”
