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Somewhat lost in the drama and upheaval of the Toronto Maple Leafs falling behind 3-0 to the Florida Panthers was the Leafs situation in goal. Ilya Samsonov has started all nine of the club’s playoff games but was forced to leave early in the second period of the 3-2 overtime loss on Sunday after colliding with Luke Schenn.
Samsonov hurt cause of friendly fire from Luke Schenn. Brutally unlucky play.
— Drew Livingstone (@ProducerDrew_) May 7, 2023
pic.twitter.com/HCbx4IXGH3
“Sammy is feeling better, so that is positive. He is going to get some tests and an MRI done to get a better idea of what is happening with him.… Keefe said. “We will use (the layoff before Game 4 to) get a better sense of where he is at. I have great confidence in (Woll). I wasn’t fazed when he went in the net yesterday. He backed that up with his performance. I think our group has a lot of confidence in him, and more importantly, he looked really confident and comfortable. He didn’t look like the moment or situation was too big for him.…
Matt Murray served as the emergency backup and dressed after Samsonov’s injury, but there has been no hint that the two-time Cup winner is in the mix to start since he has not seen action since being injured on April 2 against Detroit.
Joseph Woll and Matt Murray are working with goalie coach Curtis Sanford before #leafs practice.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 9, 2023
No sign of Ilya Samsonov. pic.twitter.com/ikJhWnkl2g
Although their 3-0 deficit is not on Samsonov or his play, the Leafs appear to need some spark or jump start to get their first victory of the series. Woll’s performance this season with Toronto whether it be in the NHL or with the AHL Marlies has been exemplary and has put the Missouri native in the mix for one of the two goalie spots next season.
The question after the season in goal is uncertain. Samsonov is an arbitration-eligible RFA with one year until unrestricted free agency. The Leafs could settle the arbitration case for a raise over his $1.8 million salary and allow him to become a UFA in 2024 and see if he can repeat his successful performance this season. Murray has been medically cleared and that could clear the way toward a buyout of the final year of his contract (which would give Toronto $4 million in cap relief next season).
The immediate quandary is whether a healthy yet inexperienced Woll is a better bet than a compromised Samsonov.
Joseph Woll stops Sam Bennett’s between-the-legs attempt to keep the game tied 😮 pic.twitter.com/qHs0DhGn3z
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 8, 2023