Leafs head coach confirms starting goaltender ahead of Game 2 on Thursday
After a disappointing Game 1 loss yesterday that saw starting goaltender Ilya Samsonov allow 6 goals on 29 shots, and backup goaltender Joseph Woll take the crease in the third period, the Maple Leafs' Game 2 starter was up in the air. Head coach Sheldon Keefe noted post-game yesterday that it was "too early to know" who would take the crease in game two on Thursday.
With the Leafs concluding a short practice today, Keefe has announced who Thursday's starter will be: "Sammy's going in net for sure," said Keefe, who is allowing the 25-year-old a chance to redeem himself after yesterday's result.
Samsonov revealed in his post-game presser that he "played like shit" and is committed to performing to the much higher level that Leafs fans have seen all regular season long. Despite what the scoresheet says, the Lightning capitalized on four power-play goals out of the six that beat Samsonov, with the defensive effort on the Leafs end hanging him out to dry.
With the loss yesterday, Samsonov's playoff record now falls to 1-8 in the postseason with the Washington Capitals and now the Maple Leafs. Regardless of the result or the record, Samsonov showed glimpses of his stability in a playoff atmosphere last night, especially when the game was tight. In a more full-rounded effort by his teammates on Thursday, the Leafs have confidence he can manage to hold his own.
The Leafs and Samsonov must remind themselves to have a short memory and quickly shift the focus to Thursday's crucial Game 2, where the team must collectively put forward a full 60-minute effort. To avoid going down 2-0 heading back to Tampa for Games 3 and 4.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 19 | 813 ANSWERS Leafs head coach confirms starting goaltender ahead of Game 2 on Thursday Will Samsonov bounce back and win Game 2? | ||
| Yes | 664 | 81.7 % |
| No | 149 | 18.3 % |
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