Keefe explains decision to go with Kallgren over Samsonov
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Many were surprised when Sheldon Keefe announced after practice yesterday that Erik Kallgren would get the start tonight against San Jose. It was no secret that Kallgren was going to play at least one game on the Leafs' West Coast road trip, but with him starting tonight, it would appear he will get two of the next three, due to the back-to-back in LA and Anaheim on Saturday and Sunday.
Keefe explained his decision to go with Kallgren after the morning skate today saying, "[It's a] combination of [Kallgren] staying active and staying involved but also managing Samsonov. This is not an easy road trip for a goaltender in particular And he's been a little under the weather throughout the trip as well."
It would seem that Samsonov was going to start tonight, but given that he isn't feeling 100 percent, Keefe opted to get Kallgren an extra game on the road trip to allow for Samsonov to rest.
Looking at the Leafs' schedule, it makes more sense for Kallgren to get an extra game against a weaker team on the road trip, as once the Leafs return home, they will play 6 games in 10 days, including two back-to-backs - one of which will force them to travel to Carolina for a puck drop less than 24 hours after puck drop against the Bruins in Toronto.
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