Maple Leafs make surprising announcement regarding who will start against the Habs
For much of the season, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has gone back and forth, alternating starts between his goaltenders with little deviation. However, after a convincing performance in goal on Thursday night against the Winnipeg Jets, the Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that Ilya Samsonov will return between the pipes on Saturday against bitter rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.
Samsonov improved to 14-4-1 with a 37 save performance in their 4-1 drubbing of the Jets. Newly selected All-Star, Auston Matthews scored 2 goals, Mitch Marner added a key shorthanded goal to cap off a 3 goal third period, and Mark Giordano iced the game with an empty netter with 2 and a half remaining.
After a run of poor performances before the new year that had Leafs Nation worried, Samsonov has cast the shackles - for now - with 3 wins in his last 4 games while posting a .947 SV%. In his previous 4 games he was 2-1-1 but had a worrisome .850 SV% after allowing 17 goals on 113 shots.
In other news, missing at practice today was forward Calle Jarnkrok. However, Sheldon Keefe made mention that it was just a maintenance day. He had previously dealt with a groin injury this season but since his return to the lineup he has scored 4 goals and 12 points in 14 games, solidifying the top-6.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 20 | 325 ANSWERS Maple Leafs make surprising announcement regarding who will start against the Habs Will Samsonov allow 2 goals or less against the Canadiens on Saturday? | ||
| Yes | 237 | 72.9 % |
| No | 88 | 27.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
