Leafs' decision regarding tonight's starting goalie creates a clearer picture in Toronto
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been hoping that the extended time off for goaltender Ilya Samsonov would help him reset and figure things out mentally. He has not played in a week, since being pulled against the Buffalo Sabres, and it appears that he is still working on figuring things out.
Following the Christmas break, the Leafs took part in a full skate this morning ahead of their "Next Gen" game against the Ottawa Senators tonight, but it saw Samsonov working with goaltending coach Curtis Sanford in the visitor's net instead of the starter's crease. That means that the Leafs will give Martin Jones his second consecutive start following a performance on Saturday that saw him stop 27 of 28 shots against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
It has become clear that the Leafs and head coach Sheldon Keefe currently have more faith and confidence in the 34-year-old as he has started four of the Leafs' last six games. In six games for the Leafs, Jones has posted a 4-1-0 record with 1 shutout, a 2.79 GAA and .917 save percentage.
The Leafs will be busy this week with games tonight, Friday and Saturday, so barring a poor performance, Jones will likely start in one of the two remaining games this week after tonight as well, with Samsonov drawing the other start.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 27 | 715 ANSWERS Leafs' decision regarding tonight's starting goalie creates a clearer picture in Toronto Will the Leafs re-sign Martin Jones this summer? | ||
| Yes, Jones has been better than Samsonov | 440 | 61.5 % |
| No, they'll bring in someone else | 250 | 35 % |
| No, Samsonov will be brought back | 25 | 3.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
