Leafs provide an update on the injured Matt Murray; two Leafs goalies at practice on Saturday, neither of which was Murray
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot of pressure on them this year to finally break out of the first round, but there is an area in which they were lacking last season that has now become more of a strength. The Leafs have rolled 4 goalies this year, not including the series of ATO's signed at the end of the season. All of Ilya Samsonov, Matt Murray, Joseph Woll and Erik Kallgren have started games for the Buds and they were all able to secure wins against playoff teams. That's pretty big.
Of course, the current situation is not an ideal one, as Matt Murray suffered an injury earlier this month against Detroit and Kallgren's play has fallen off recently with the Marlies. At today's practice, Samsonov and Woll were the only participants in goal, which was somewhat expected, given the nature of Murray's injury - a concussion. Murray was still showing symptoms earlier this week.
The Leafs provided a bit of an update on Murray's status on Saturday, as Sheldon Keefe revealed that the 28-year-old goaltender has resumed skating over the past couple of days.
The obvious hope is that Murray is healthy and good to go for Game 1, whether it be as a starter or as a backup. The Leafs, fortunately, have the luxury of having Joseph Woll playing extremely well this season when called upon, so if Murray cannot play or back up Samsonov to start the playoffs, Woll will be ready to step in and play any role the Leafs need him to play.
Concussions are tricky - especially concussions with lingering symptoms. Murray has a history of concussions and, as we now know, once you've had one, they become easier to get. The Leafs would be wise to take their time here. With both Samsonov an Woll really rolling towards the end of the season, there's really no need to rush Murray back if he's less than 100%. There's still time between now and Tuesday's Game 1 against Tampa, but I would almost prefer a Samsonov/Woll tandem right now, just to ensure that there are two healthy bodies in there.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 15 | 2143 ANSWERS Leafs provide an update on the injured Matt Murray; two Leafs goalies at practice on Saturday, neither of which was Murray Will Matt Murray be good to go in time for Leafs/Lightning Game 1 on Tuesday? | ||
| Yes | 101 | 4.7 % |
| No | 1048 | 48.9 % |
| Just roll Samsonov/Woll anyway | 994 | 46.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
