Keefe shares updates on Jones, Woll and Samsonov, names starter against Philadelphia
Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov is slowly working himself back into the good graces of head coach Sheldon Keefe, performing solidly for the team since being exiled down to the team's AHL affiliate to get his game in order.
Samsonov has won five of his last seven starts since returning to the net for Toronto on January 14th. The Russian netminder is finally providing Toronto with some steady goaltending while their options are currently limited.
Keefe revealed on Wednesday that veteran goalie Martin Jones is still day-to-day. Promising rookie Joseph Woll is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain, which he suffered in early December. Keefe said on Wednesday following practice that Woll is getting closer, but would not confirm his official return date.
Keefe also confirmed that Samsonov will start on Thursday for their game against the Philadelphia Flyers. This will be the 26 year old's seventh start in the teams last eight games to signify his grasp on the net.
Most of Leafs Nation had given up on Samsonov in December, hoping he would have been claimed when placed on waivers at the end of the year, but he is slowly winning them over again with his play. The chants of "Sammy, Sammy!" ringing through Scotia Bank Arena once again, and it's a beautiful sound. Hopefully we hear more of that on Thursday.
| POLL | ||
14 FEVRIER | 852 ANSWERS Keefe shares updates on Jones, Woll and Samsonov, names starter against Philadelphia Do you think Samsonov extends in Toronto this summer? | ||
| No chance, he doesn't like the pressure | 291 | 34.2 % |
| Maybe, to share the net with Woll | 242 | 28.4 % |
| If the money is right, I would be ok with it | 319 | 37.4 % |
| I'd prefer someone else | 0 | 0 % |
| List of polls | ||
