Leafs' Nick Shore scores against hometown Avalanche, proves Keefe right
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe received a fair share of criticism when he scratched forward Nic Petan from the lineup in favour of Nick Shore for Saturday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. But the Colorado native quickly validated his new coach’s decision with a goal.
After Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring, Shore tipped in the equalizer in the first period.
Sheldon Keefe: I'm going to put Nick Shore in the lineup in his hometown, seems like the right thing to do
Nick Shore:pic.twitter.com/Q0FWMGU15q— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) November 24, 2019
His second of the season came courtesy a beautiful Pierre Engvall pass that he simply had to redirect into the net.
Keefe’s decision to include Shore in the lineup was a product of the city in which the Leafs were playing. The goal-scorer was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and spent three seasons at the University of Denver. Thus, Shore was treated to a homecoming.
With friends and family most likely in the stands, scoring a goal sure must have felt sweet.
Prior to Saturday’s match, Shore had two points through 20 games.
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