Why Ilya Samsonov is Surprise Starter in Goal for Maple Leafs Against Bruins in Game 7 With Joseph Woll Injured
BOSTON — A reported injury to Joseph Woll might flip the Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltending plan on its head as they prepare for their deciding Game 7 against the Boston Bruins.
Ilya Samsonov led the Maple Leafs out for warmup following reports that Woll may not be able to make his start in goal due to an injury.
Woll took part in the team’s full morning skate on Saturday and appeared to be in some discomfort during the session. What was particularly notable was Samsonov took the official’s crease to field pucks from goaltending coach Curtis Sanford, something the netminder only does when he expects to start in net.
Woll started in Games 5 and 6 for the Maple Leafs after making his series debut in the third period in Game 4. He helped guide Toronto to a pair of victories while facing elimination and posting a .964 save percentage in his three appearances.
Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman has been equally as good over a longer stretch with a .947 save percentage in five starts.
Samsonov has an .883 save percentage in four appearances this postseason. While the numbers are underwhelming, although he did help the Leafs with a 27-save performance in a 3-2 win against the Bruins in Game 2 of the series.
The injury or ailment that kept Woll out is not known, although believed to have taken place on the final play of Game 6.
Developing….
cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0
Related
Maple Leafs’ Bobby McMann ‘Doesn’t Look Too Far Off’ as Winger Joins Club For Morning Skate, Unavailable for Game 7 Against Bruins
‘He Vowed To Be Better The Next Time Around’: How Jake McCabe’s Improved Playoffs Have Helped The Maple Leafs Defensively Against Bruins
Auston Matthews Takes Part in Maple Leafs Morning Skate But ‘No Determination’ For Game 7 Against Bruins (VIDEO)
News from THN.com
NHL Draft Notebook: McKenna, Hagens and Martone Lead Underagers at U-18 World Championship
NHL Announces 2024 Calder Trophy Finalists
NHL Playoffs Opinion: Why Has This Year’s First Round Been Such a Dud?