Maple Leafs leave Ilya Samsonov behind for game against the Devils

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Tom Banks
April 9, 2024 (11:08 PM)

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The Maple Leafs will clash with the Devils both on Tuesday and Thursday this week, and it appears they've got a solid goaltending plan for both.

Ilya Samsonov has been absolutely stellar for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the past few months, and as the team have established, he will be their No. 1 goaltender when the playoffs roll around. With less than two weeks to go until that time, the team are clearly looking to get him his rest, and now, that begins this week as he is reportedly staying home despite the road trip to New Jersey.

Keefe tells media in Newark that Timmins will replace Lyubushkin tonight on D, Robertson and Gregor for Dewar and Reaves. Woll starts as exoected. Leafs using the Martin Jones option as back-up to keep Sammy in Toronto for full rest before projected home start Thursday vs. NJ.

On Thursday, they'll do battle with New Jersey again at home, and have slated Samsonov to start that matchup, and while it may not seem like much, any type of rest you can get him now will help in a big way down the stretch. In three starts since March 30, Samsonov has put up a perfect 4-0 record with just 8 goals allowed on 114 shots for a save percentage of .932, and if he brings this to the playoffs, they'll be a tough team to beat.

Source: Hockey Patrol

Ilya Samsonov stays behind as the Maple Leafs embark on last stretch