Keefe confirms starting goalie for Thursday's game against the Hurricanes
After Erik Källgren's fantastic first NHL start, Leafs Nation has been buzzing about whether or not the 25-year-old rookie should take over as the number one, at least until Jack Campbell returns from injury.
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed after practice today that Källgren has indeed earned his second career start on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
It's hard not to start a goalie with a .978 SV% over 5 periods of play - especially when the other option is a sub .900 goaltender this season. Källgren is undoubtedly the hot hand at the moment. The sample size is still painfully small, but at this point the Leafs don't really have any other option.
Petr Mrazek has played so poorly of late that even the likes of Joe Woll or Michael Hutchinson would be preferable to having him in the net. Until Jack Campbell is able to return, the net must belong to Erik Källgren.
Sheldon Keefe seems to agree that Mrazek has run out of rope. His quotes after the Leafs 4-0 triumph over the Stars didn't mention Mrazek by name, but there was no mistaking who they were aimed at.
It's tough to play when you're fishing the puck out of your own net.
Källgren will have the chance to further solidify his position as the Leafs interim starting goaltender with a tough test against the Canes. If he and the Leafs are able to replicate the effort they put forth agains the Stars Tuesday night, they'll have a good chance of racking up 2 more valuable points.
| POLL | ||
MARS 16 | 351 ANSWERS Keefe confirms starting goalie for Thursday's game against the Hurricanes Will Jack Campbell reprise his role as a number one when he is ready to return? | ||
| Yes - Jack is still number one | 160 | 45.6 % |
| No - It's Kallgren's net now | 62 | 17.7 % |
| The Leafs still need to trade for a goalie | 129 | 36.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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