'Additional Time, I Think, Really Benefits Him': Sheldon Keefe Explains Decision To Start Ilya Samsonov for Maple Leafs Against Blue Jackets
Samsonov has a 1-1-3 record in his last five games with the Maple Leafs, putting up a .859 save percentage in that span.
Ilya Samsonov will be in the Maple Leafs' crease on Friday night when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed the news following Thursday's practice.
The 26-year-old goaltender hasn't started for Toronto since allowing five goals on 19 shots against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 21. Samsonov has struggled a lot this season, posting a .871 save percentage through 14 games.
Samsonov admitted he was going through a "tough" mental stretch following the game against the Sabres before the holiday break.
"I need to figure out everything in my head. It's not about technique, it's not about nothing, just in the head," the 26-year-old said earnestly last week.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyTV4cdW4ss[/embed]
The struggles for Samsonov haven't come recently, though. The 26-year-old has allowed four or more goals in seven games this season. There have only been five games where he's allowed two goals or less.
Samsonov, on Thursday, mentioned to colleague David Alter that he travelled to Washington, D.C., to see some friends for the holidays during the break to help him clear his head.
With the trip, which he says was unplanned, plus some extra work with Maple Leafs goaltending coach Curtis Sanford before both Wednesday's morning skate and Thursday's practice, there's an opportunity for Samsonov to return to his form from last season.
Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe hopes that getting away from the ice, plus the work with Sanford, will help the 26-year-old reset mentally.
"I think in terms of how that sets up, I think it gives a chance to get away from the game for a bit. And then also come back and have opportunity to get back up to speed and see the puck and all those types of things.
"I've always kind of felt that anytime you take a break, such as the three-day break, those tend to be difficult on the goalies, I've found through experience just because they're so used to their routines and they're so used to seeing pucks, all these types of things. And when you break that, it's harder to get the timing back.
"So to have, for Sammy, additional time, I think really benefits him."
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