Toronto maple leafs coaching staff reveals the only option for struggling Samsonov
The message to Ilya Samsonov from the struggling Maple Leafs coaching staff hasn’t changed.
“The only way to beat this is to work, to be consistent,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said. – We talk about consistency in all aspects of the game, but the goalkeeper’s position is more technical (work), which requires precision and consistency. Keep working on this foundation.”
Samsonov’s .855 save percentage through seven games was 52nd in the National Hockey League in that category before Wednesday’s games.
Neither the netminder nor the Leafs expected it when he was sharp for much of the 2022-23 season and ranked seventh in save percentage. As for the idea of the Leafs bringing back Martin Jones from the Toronto Marlies while Samsonov works to adjust his game, Jones doesn’t have great numbers with the Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate.
Through four games, Jones has an .864 save percentage and the Marlies lost 7-3 to the Admirals in Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Jones was a sleeper as he allowed three field goals on 12 shots. Keith Petruzzelli made 15 saves on 18 shots in relief.
“Nothing to do with his game,” Marlies coach John Gruden told reporters of his decision to pull Jones. “The team wasn’t really ready and the momentum was really going, so we had to get him out there. We didn’t play hard for him and I didn’t want to put him in a difficult situation.
That’s up 25% from last year, as Sportico Leafs’ net worth was $2.12 billion in November 2022.
The Leafs were followed by the New York Rangers at $2.45 billion, the Montreal Canadiens at $2.27 billion and the Chicago Blackhawks at $1.84 billion. The Boston Bears moved into the top five of the NHL’s most valuable franchises at $1.78 billion.
LISTEN AND LEARN
Part of Matthew Knies’ training to play on the line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner involves watching the superstars interact with each other during games. “It’s fun to see that chemistry on the ice, how they find each other, how they talk,” Knies said. “I can see on the bench that they’re not afraid to go at each other.
“When they have to go, they’re not afraid to speak up and I love that about these guys. They really care, they really want to push themselves and I think they both make each other better and that affects me as well.
SWEDISH BALLMARKS
After a five-game homestand, the Leafs travel to Stockholm on Monday night to participate in the NHL’s latest World Series, where Detroit and Minnesota meet on the 17th. and in November. 19 respectively.
“I see it as a great opportunity to come together and have fun playing important games and embrace the Swedes, the Swedish community, especially because of the connections he has had here with the organization for a long time.” said Leaf Captain Juan Tavares. “It’s just part of the grind and a unique opportunity, you have to grab it and try to enjoy it.”
Tavares recalled that the Leafs have work to do before their trip to Toronto, including games against Calgary and Vancouver on Friday and Saturday.
And Keefe still hasn’t responded to Sweden’s questions.
“You wouldn’t have anything to ask me next week, so I’ll stick with it,” Keefe said. “We have three games in four nights (starting against Ottawa on Wednesday), which is the busiest period in terms of games. We’ll focus on the home games first here.”
