Leafs goalie coach makes a surprising statement about Samsonov's performance against the Islanders
Ilya Samsonov has been excellent for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. After a fantastic start to the year, he did hit a rough patch around late December/early January, but since relieving Matt Murray against the Florida Panthers a week ago today, he has found his form from earlier in the season, stopping 107 of 113 shots against over four games played, which is good for a .947 save percentage.
Last night, Samsonov was particularly impressive, stopping 31 of 33 shots faced. When asked about the Russian net-minders performance post game, Sheldon Keefe stated that the team's Goalie Coach, Curtis Sandford, felt this was one of his strongest games in terms of following the process. He went on to say that he looks very comfortable in the goal right now. Keefe's full quote on the subject is available below.
I was just going through some of it with Curtis Sanford in there. There were some things that maybe don't show up as the high-end saves he made, but Curtis looks at this stuff a lot closer than any of us. He felt this was as strong of a game as he's played in terms of what he is asking him to do and the process he is looking for him to play with. He is looking very comfortable in the net right now.
-Sheldon Keefe with he and Curtis Sanford's thoughts on Samsonov's performance last night.
-Sheldon Keefe with he and Curtis Sanford's thoughts on Samsonov's performance last night.
The Leafs are back in action Wednesday night against the New York Rangers. Given his recent stretch of quality performances, I would not be surprised if Samsonov starts that game as well. The team have often utilized their two goaltenders as a tandem, splitting the starts almost evenly. At this point, however, it just makes sense to ride the hot hand until he falters.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 24 | 397 ANSWERS Leafs goalie coach makes a surprising statement about Samsonov's performance against the Islanders Who would you start Wednesday? | ||
| Matt Murray | 63 | 15.9 % |
| Ilya Samsonov | 334 | 84.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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