Despite early concerns, Leafs' goaltending is proving to be a position of strength on a team with very few tangible weaknesses
Heading into the season, goaltending was thought to be a potential weakness for the Toronto Maple Leafs. But so far, the duo of Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov, when healthy, have been one of the best duos in the NHL. After Samsonov's 3-1 win in last night's triumphant return, the two now hold a combined record of 12-3-1.
Samsonov was signed to a one-year contract (worth $1.8 million) this offseason after he did not receive a qualifying offer from the Washington Capitals. So far, Sammy has proven to have been a great pickup. His 2.09 goals against average is second best in the league among all goaltenders who have played at least five games. The former first round pick currently holds a .924 save percentage, which is the sixth best save percentage among goaltenders who have played at least five games. In nine games started this season, Samsonov owns a record of 7-2-0. His 6 wins in a row to start the season is the 2nd-longest in franchise history, tying him with the great Felix Potvin.
As for Matt Murray, many Leaf fans were concerned when he was acquired via trade from the Senators. He had only played 20 games last season due to injury, and his play had decreased over the past three seasons. But so far, when healthy, Murray has been excellent. He holds a 2.44 GAA, good for seventh among goaltenders who have played at least five games. Additionally, his .927 save percentage ranks fourth among goaltenders who have played at least five games. In seven games started this season, he has recorded five wins en-route to a 5-1-1 record.
With 57 games remaining, the biggest question mark for the two Leaf goaltenders may be health. Both have been injured once already this season, and Matt Murray has a long history of injury. Additionally, the sample size is still small for both goaltenders, but the early returns are very positive on both accounts as well.
*Stats pulled from NHL.com, hockey-reference.com
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 1 | 216 ANSWERS Despite early concerns, Leafs' goaltending is proving to be a position of strength on a team with very few tangible weaknesses Who will be the Leafs starter in game one of the playoffs? | ||
| Matt Murray | 174 | 80.6 % |
| Ilya Samsonov | 37 | 17.1 % |
| Someone else | 3 | 1.4 % |
| The Leafs will miss the playoffs | 2 | 0.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
