Keefe with a great answer as to why Samsonov gets the start over Murray against the Ducks
After sitting for 3 of the last 4 games, 25-year-old netminder Ilya Samsonov will get his opportunity to get back into game action on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, according to Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe following the Buds' morning skate.
Samsonov is riding a 7-game home winning streak. Having gone 7-0-0 to start the season on home ice, Samsonov is doing something very special right now. He currently holds the franchise record for most consecutive home wins to start a season and is looking to extend that lead against a Ducks team who lost last night in Ottawa.
The Leafs appear to have made Matt Murray their 1A since his return from an adductor injury, but they're in a strange situation where they really don't really have a 1B. With the way both Samsonov and Murray have been playing, it's more like they have two 1A's. They needed to get Samsonov back in game action and following Tuesday's morning skate, Sheldon Keefe touched on why they felt the need to start him over Murray against the Ducks.
-Keefe, with complete confidence in the decision to go with Samsonov over Murray on Tuesday
He's not wrong. Since signing in Toronto as a UFA this summer after going unqualified by the Washington Capitals, Samsonov has been playing like he has something to prove. Not only to himself, but also to the team that let him go for nothing and to the Leafs, who took a chance on him, despite all of the question marks.
Samsonov is 8-2-0 so far this season, with a 1.87 GAA and a .933 SV% - so, yeah.. He deserves it, Sheldon. We're definitely with you on that.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13 | 162 ANSWERS Keefe with a great answer as to why Samsonov gets the start over Murray against the Ducks Did the Leafs make the right call on starting Samsonov against the Ducks? | ||
| Yes | 159 | 98.1 % |
| No | 3 | 1.9 % |
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