Ex-Leafs HC Sheldon Keefe makes his feelings clear on differences between coaching in Toronto and New Jersey

Sheldon Keefe was the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs last season and is now with the New Jersey Devils. Both teams are among the best in the Eastern Conference, with New Jersey one point ahead of the Leafs in the overall standings.

They'll clash on Thursday for the second time this season. Ahead of the matchup between potential Eastern Conference finalists, Keefe was asked about the difference in coaching the two teams during Wednesday's episode of the "First Up" podcast.

"There's a different experience, no doubt, you know, for lots of reasons, because of the market, in the media and all the things that go with it," Keefe said (03:40). "But also, you know, the expectation and sort of the call it failure, if you will."

He believes that the expectations are vastly different. The Leafs expect playoff success, while New Jersey is trying to return to a place where it can expect success year in and year out.

Keefe believes both fanchises have the pedigree.

"The fans, I think, appreciate that, and they have that legacy here," Keefe said. "But also, there's no expectations. There's no pressure here. I mean, we, we have a bad period that good. They're quick to boo and quick to get on you here. I mean, this is that, whether it's New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia."

Keefe noted that fans in New Jersey have "tremendous passion" paired with a "short fuse," so the onus is still on the coach and his players to perform at a high level.

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Sheldon Keefe reflects on his Leafs tenure

Sheldon Keefe was replaced by Craig Berube, but the move seems to have worked out for both teams. Berube has the Toronto Maple Leafs leading their division and Keefe has guided the Devils to the second-most points in the East.

Sheldon Keefe left the Maple Leafs (Imagn)

Keefe shared that he enjoyed his time with the Leafs.

"I really enjoyed it, and I really enjoyed my time in Toronto," Keefe said on Wednesday, via 'First Up.' "It was a tremendous opportunity for me as a young coach there, and have nothing but great respect for the people in the organization and the opportunity I was given. And, you know, also, you know, also just, you know, have been excited to get to work here in Jersey, and so far, it's delivered."

It's unlikely that either team regrets their decision to bring in their new coaches.