Maple Leafs Coach Sheldon Keefe Lashes Out After Latest Loss and Calls Out Samsonov and Treliving
The Toronto Maple Leafs came into Friday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets needing a big win, but instead, they came out with major disappointment and even more question marks.
A disappointing performance in net for Ilya Samsonov
While many expected Ilya Samsonov to be the Leafs No. 1 goaltender in 2023-24, he's struggled mightily, coming into the game with a GAA above 3.50 and a save percentage below .900.
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Unfortunately, things didn't get better in this one, as he allowed six goals on just 21 shots, and the frustration is clearly getting to Head Coach Sheldon Keefe.
Sheldon Keefe calls out goaltending and the teams GM
After the loss, there was nothing else for Keefe to do but call out the lack of production in net;
"Mistakes get magnified when you don't get saves,"
It's been clear for quite some time that the Maple Leafs have needed to make a move in net, and with emerging star Joseph Woll sidelined with an injury, their need for a goaltending move becomes even more clear.
After calling out Samsonov, Keefe sent a message to General Manager Brad Treliving too, attempting to force his hand into making a move that the Leafs desperately need to make;
"It's the NHL, we need saves, we need points and we need wins. So I'm sure (GM Brad Treliving) is going to consider everything."
The Leafs certainly have the talent up front to contend in 2023-24, but that means nothing without goaltending, and with the likes of Juuse Saros, Jacob Markstrom and potentially others available for trade, the time for a deal is now, as this team can't afford any more games like that.
As Read on Hockey Feed - Sheldon Keefe throws Ilya Samsonov and Brad Treliving under the bus.
| POLL | ||
30 DECEMBRE | 569 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Coach Sheldon Keefe Lashes Out After Latest Loss and Calls Out Samsonov and Treliving Will Samsonov be a Maple Leaf for the remainder of the season? | ||
| Yes | 108 | 19 % |
| No | 461 | 81 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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