Sheldon Keefe explains how he will deploy the Leafs' goaltenders in the first set of exhibition games
Leafs hockey is almost upon us, folks! We are officially one day away from the start of the exhibition season, which precedes the 2022-23 regular season. The Leafs will meet the Ottawa Senators in a split roster double-header tomorrow at 1pm and 7pm, with both games taking place in Toronto.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe spoke with the media after day two of the Leafs' on ice sessions and one of the questions he was faced with was how the Leafs will choose to deploy their goaltenders during preseason action. The Leafs' bench boss revealed that both Erik Kallgren and Ilya Samsonov would receive 40 minutes each (two periods), with Dylan Ferguson and Keith Petruzzelli coming in to play the third periods in relief of the two Leafs' netminders.
Why the inconspicuous absence for Matt Murray? Well, not to worry. Keefe confirmed on Friday that Murray is slated to get Wednesday's start against the Montreal Canadiens in the team's third preseason game.
The Leafs had stated earlier this week that they intend to rely heavily on both Murray and Samsonov this season, with Kallgren reportedly in the mix for some starts as well. Keefe expanded on those comments, stating that the Leafs will likely not name a number one until just before the playoffs begin. I'd imagine they'll ride the hotter hand, whomever that may be at that time.
