{"id":436657,"date":"2024-01-24T09:30:24","date_gmt":"2024-01-24T14:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=436657"},"modified":"2024-01-24T09:20:09","modified_gmt":"2024-01-24T14:20:09","slug":"toronto-maple-leafs-goaltending-must-close-games-in-the-third","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/01\/24\/toronto-maple-leafs-goaltending-must-close-games-in-the-third\/","title":{"rendered":"Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltending Must Close Games in the Third"},"content":{"rendered":"

Toronto lost five of the last seven closely matched games. Until the team changes this pattern, the Maple Leafs need changes. The Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> goaltending must win the third period and keep pucks out of their net. Toronto has consistently played incredibly offensively in 2024 taking early leads and keeping games close, but this isn’t horseshoes. Sheldon Keefe<\/a> is going to need someone to step up as goalie for Toronto and stand on their head.<\/p>\n

Who is Toronto Maple Leafs Starting Goalie?<\/h2>\n

Martin Jones<\/a> is expected to start in goal<\/a> for Toronto against the Central Division-leading Winnipeg Jets<\/a> at Scotiabank Arena<\/a>. Currently, Maple Leaf starting goalie Joseph Woll<\/a> is out with an ankle injury. Most likely, Jones will be covering the Leafs goaltending. Jones has plenty of experience in goal. He first joined the ranks of NHL starting goalies playing for the Los Angeles Kings<\/a> in December of 2013. Martin Jones has started in 445 NHL career games with 234 wins, 169 losses, and 36 overtime losses. Jones is at a .905 career save percentage and is ranked 83rd of all NHL goalies. It makes sense to rely on the veteran goaltender in the near future.<\/p>\n

Will Ilya Samsonov<\/a> be able to Make a Difference?<\/h3>\n

Being placed on waivers over three weeks ago, Russian-born goaltender, Ilya Samsonov is working hard. The netminder focused on his game play, finally finding his way back to the lineup. Sammy helped lead the Maple Leafs to victory in a much-needed 3-1 win over the Seattle Kraken<\/a> on Sunday, January 21st at Climate Pledge Arena<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Ilya Samsanov in his first win since Dec 9th:<\/p>\n

\u2014 16 shots against
\n\u2014 17 saves
\n\u2014 .941 SV%
\n\u2014 1.02 GAA<\/p>\n

A step towards regaining his confidence. pic.twitter.com\/FDlgc4UlBR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Big Head Leafs (@BigHeadLeafs_) January 22, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n