Sheldon Keefe explains what is occupying the minds of Maple Leafs players

It's well known that the Toronto Maple Leafs haven't won a postseason series since prior to the invention of YouTube - 2004, to be exact. Fans still remember how the then-named Air Canada Centre roared when forward Joe Nieuwendyk beat Ottawa Senators goaltender Patrick Lalime twice in the first period en route to a Game 7 victory, which would be their last playoff series win to date. 

This season, expectations are considerably higher, especially given the fact that the Leafs have established a new franchise record for wins in a season with 50. And speaking of 50, superstar forward Auston Matthews eclipsed that mark in goals for the first time in his career earlier in the month. But don't expect head coach Sheldon Keefe to be too concerned with regular season records right now. 

Keefe joined Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne on Sportsnet 590: The Fan earlier today and, to the surprise of the hosts, said that his team's historic accomplishment wasn't at the forefront of his mind. 

"Quite honestly, I haven't. I've taken a lot of time to think about that and each time I've thought about it, it's a fleeting thought," he said. "In fact, we talked about it yesterday morning when we addressed the team and had a chance to establish team records - this organization has been around for along time, and that's not nothing....these are significant accomplishments for teams that have been around for along time. Great players have played here."

"But we have a big picture mentality here, we know what's at stake. We know where it is we need to go and how to execute and succeed when it counts. We've been focused on that. Even last night, I came back in the room and one of the coaches had to remind me, I was so focused on the game and the process of what we had to do...it was the furthest thing from my mind." 

"We're focused on bigger things as the coaching staff and as players." 

Keefe and the Leafs are next in action tomorrow night at home against the non-playoff Philadelphia Flyers.