The Maple Leafs have been on the hunt for a truly exceptional starting goaltender since the days of Curtis Joseph. Although they've had some noteworthy players between the pipes, none have quite matched CuJo's level of excellence.
It seemed like a blast from the past last night when CuJo nearly donned the blue and white again, just one injury away from suiting up for the Leafs for the first time in 15 years.
CuJo's Near Return
Tension filled the air when Matt Murray was forced to leave the game last night after a collision with Lucas Raymond. Ilya Samsonov stepped in, but the game ultimately ended in a 5-2 defeat. Had Samsonov sustained an injury as well, the legendary Curtis Joseph would have entered as the emergency backup goalie (EBUG).
Former Leafs goaltender Curtis Joseph, spotted carrying his hockey bag through the arena last night, confirmed to reporters that he was indeed the EBUG following Matt Murray's injury.
If Samsonov had been unable to continue, we might have witnessed CuJo's return to a Toronto net for the first time since 2008.
If Samsonov had been unable to continue, we might have witnessed CuJo's return to a Toronto net for the first time since 2008.
At 55 years old and more than a decade since his last NHL appearance, could CuJo have been the savior to lead the Leafs through the playoffs? It's unlikely, but now we'll never know!
As Read On HockeyPatrol - Maple Leafs Legend Nearly Got Ice Time as EBUG Last Night
| POLL | ||
3 AVRIL | 90 ANSWERS Leafs Legend Nearly Suits Up After 15 Years as EBUG Do you think CuJo's number should be retired in Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 57.8 % |
| No | 38 | 42.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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