Keefe makes surprising statement regarding Leafs goaltending decisions for Game 2
Following the Leafs' 7-3 loss at the hands of the Lightning last night in Game 1, which saw Joseph Woll play the third period over Ilya Samsonov, Sheldon Keefe made a surprising statement about game 2. Samsonov, who had little to no help defensively in the first two periods as the Leafs spent most of the second period on the penalty kill, gave up 6 goals on 29 shots before getting the hook.
During his post-game media availability, Samsonov admittedly said he "played like shit," but so did the entire team defensively. It also led to Keefe being coy when he was asked about a Game 2 starter.
"Too early to know," said Keefe when he was asked about a possible goaltending change for Game 2 - and honestly, it is. You can't blame Samsonov for all 6 of the goals he gave up, considering 4 of them were on the Tampa power play. Samsonov has already vowed to be better for Game 2, but whether or not he'll have that chance is still up in the air. My gut tells me he'll be the guy on Thursday, but with Keefe's comments, you just don't know.
Samsonov's playoff record now falls to 1-8 in 9 games with Washington and the Leafs, which should be concerning for Keefe, the Leafs and Leaf fans. Maybe giving Woll a shot in Game 2, the same way Florida has given Alex Lyon a chance to start against Boston, will be good for the team.
The Leafs and Samsonov will have to shake off the loss in a hurry as game 2 goes Thursday night, in what we hope is a much better effort from the Leafs and the officials.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 19 | 702 ANSWERS Keefe makes surprising statement regarding Leafs goaltending decisions for Game 2 Who should start Game 2 for the Leafs? | ||
| Samsonov | 463 | 66 % |
| Woll | 239 | 34 % |
| List of polls | ||
