On the surface, it’s one game. A rookie sat for a stretch, and the Toronto Maple Leafs lost 5-4 in overtime to the Buffalo Sabers. It’s not ideal, but it doesn’t sound like the end of the world. Head coach Jim Hiller admitted a mistake. So why do we care so much?
The real story isn’t the Gavin McKenna benching. It’s what the benching reveals.
McKenna Got Benched, But Not to Send a Message
Gavin McKenna played a career-low 6:36, stapled to the bench at the midway point of the second period. Jim Hiller didn’t dodge it. “That was my decision,” he said. He explained that a run of penalties kept McKenna off the ice, and the longer he sat, the harder it became to get him back in. “I probably should have got him out there early in the third. I didn’t. So I’ll talk to him about that.”
Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne was among many analysts weighing in on the decision. He wrote, “Hiller’s quotes on McKenna seem like a coach trying to both set the standard with the kid, and wear the heat in public rather than McKenna having to answer for it? Otherwise, yeah, it’s all extremely odd.” He then looked back at the game and came to a slightly different conclusion.
“K, rewatched 92 shifts. If play-related, could only be NZ. Few times you saw Alfie talk to him, few times BUF flew thru his side w/ speed. Still: he was good, few touches led to direct chances. No reason to be benched, which… if coaches answers are legit reason: concerning!”
While the message was littered with abbreviations because it was a tweet, the idea was obvious: McKenna might have been sat for a shift or two, but the fact he played so little wasn’t intentional.
The Bigger Problem Facing the Maple Leafs
Penalties disrupt shifts. Every coach deals with it, and it can reduce the ideal ice time for certain players. Unfortunately, Hiller isn’t known as the best bench manager. His approach to winning also deserves scrutiny.
Broadcaster Jackie Redmond was highly critical of Hiller, as were others. She wrote:
“Nobody who watched him in LA is surprised by this. lol Tries too hard to sit back and protect leads. It’s the main reason they lost to the Oilers in the playoffs in such dramatic fashion 2 years ago. Hiller coaches like he’s trying not to lose. That’s the coach he is and WAS when they hired him.”
She added, “He lost McKenna in the 2nd (which is fine. Penalties. It happens!) but he had an intermission to realize it. Said himself he was gonna course correct in the 3rd and never did. Howww!? I don’t think this was intentional – and honestly, that might be worse!!!”
If Hiller didn’t bench McKenna on purpose, what does that mean?
Did The Maple Leafs Choose Wrong?
This team needs to win hockey games. It’s not a club that can afford to lay back and hope it doesn’t lose. Hiring a coach who gets conservative when games tighten or protects leads was arguably a mistake. Not to mention, it only if you have the players to do it effectively.
And if the Maple Leafs don’t have those pieces, it’s all the more concerning if they also don’t have a coach who can track who has been on the ice and when.
What It Means for McKenna
A young player’s confidence is tied to trust, and ice time is the clearest way a coach communicates it. When a rookie goes from regular shifts to nothing in a tight game, he’s left wondering where he stands. When it’s someone as important as McKenna will be to this organization, it requires a bit more attention.
When a team loses a player like John Tavares mid-game, not calling on McKenna arguably sends the wrong message.
Auston Matthews said the team has McKenna’s back, but does the coach? Hiller noted he’d talk to McKenna. The belief is he’ll apologize, and McKenna will likely take it fine. Maybe Hiller should even get credit for owning his mistake.
But owning it and not repeating it are two different things.
Free Newsletter
Get Toronto Maple Leafs coverage delivered to your inbox
In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes - free.
Subscribe Free →
