Leafs' Sheldon Keefe, Sabres' Don Granato fined $25K by NHL

Field Level Media|published: Thu 29th February, 13:37 2024

Feb 24, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe looks on in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. credits: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe and Buffalo Sabres bench boss Don Granato were each fined $25,000 by the NHL on Thursday "for unprofessional conduct directed at the officials."

Both incidents occurred during their team's respective games on Tuesday night.

Keefe argued with referee Garrett Rank and received a game misconduct with 2:14 remaining in the third period of Toronto's 6-2 setback versus the Vegas Golden Knights. The loss snapped the Maple Leafs' seven-game winning streak.

"Not going there, not going there," Keefe said, when asked about how his disagreement with officials on that occasion ranked against others in the past.

Granato's actions resulted in a bench minor at 9:01 of the third period of Buffalo's 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers. Granato took issues with the officials after Sabres forward Zach Benson was whistled for a tripping penalty on Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola.

Brandon Montour scored what proved to be the winning goal on the ensuing 5-on-3 power play.

—Field Level Media