Leafs Using Interesting Approach to Help Matt Murray Return to Form

One of the most notable (and polarizing) additions the Maple Leafs made this offseason was acquiring goaltender Matt Murray from the Ottawa Senators. The Buds received 3rd and 7th round picks in exchange for taking on 75% of the 2-time Cup champ's contract, sending "future considerations" back the other way.

The problem is that Murray has had a few issues in recent seasons, most notably his inability to stay healthy and his lackluster play when he has been lucky enough to remain healthy. The Leafs appear to be trying an interesting approach with the Thunder Bay, Ontario native, where the goalie coach, Curtis Sanford had Murray wear goggles in training camp with blinders to reduce peripheral vision and help with puck tracking.

The idea of this approach is to force a goalie to use the middle part and strongest part of their eyes. With Murray's Save Percentage being .893 and .905 for the last two seasons, he has lost a lot of confidence in his game. However, with Murray having won two Cups with the Pens and still being just 28 years old, he is young enough that he could get his game back on track and be the goalie he once was. The Leafs defense is also much better than the Senators, so it shouldn't be surprising to see Murray perform better for Toronto.

Time will tell if this interesting strategy helps Murray rebound to his former self, and the Leafs organization are hoping Murray can be a big part of a potential playoff run this spring.