Leafs make very bold decision in net for tonight's game against Pittsburgh

Samsonov had lost his starting gig to rookie netminder Joseph Woll this season, but when an unfortunate injury struck Woll, rendering him sidelined on a week-to-week basis, it propelled Samsonov right back into his starter's role with ample opportunity to re-gain his form. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out that way.

Samsonov's latest outing, Thursday evening against Columbus, was a forgettable start, with the 26-year-old allowing 5 goals through 40 minutes and putting his team at a huge disadvantage. Fortunately for Samsonov, goalie coach Curtis Sanford went to bat for him and convinced Sheldon Keefe to leave him in the game. Samsonov didn't allow a single goal in the 3rd period, helping to keep the Leafs alive long enough to trigger a 5-goal flurry in an epic comeback. However, the Jackets would capitalize in OT to earn the win, but the Leafs did manage to pick up a point at least.

Many had suspected that Sanford would lobby for Samsonov to get right back in there tonight in an attempt to try to build some confidence, however, that's not going to be the case. Instead, Martin Jones, who boasts a career .930SV% against Pittsburgh, will get the start tonight.

Jones is 2-0-0 on the season for the Leafs this season, having amassed a .902 SV% and a 3.46 GAA. While those numbers don't exactly jump off the page, they're better than Samsonov's 3.51 GAA and .878 SV%, meaning that Jones gives the Leafs a better chance to win. That's going to be a problem for Samsonov moving forward, as if he ends up being leapfrogged by Jones on the depth chart, the Leafs may end up looking to shed his $3.55M cap hit.