Maple Leafs Make Interesting Goaltending Decision for Game 4

The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting set for Game 4 against the Florida Panthers and it seems there's been an interesting development in their crease. Starting netminder Ilya Samsonov has been ruled out for Game 4 and head coach Sheldon Keefe has decided to start rookie Joseph Woll instead of two-time Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray.

Murray has battled injury throughout the season and is now fully healthy and cleared to play. He hasn't appeared in a game in over a month and has yet to see any playoff action. However, Murray was brought into Toronto to provide a Stanley Cup winning pedigree in net, and now instead of getting his chance, has to back up a 24-year-old rookie who stopped only 18 of 21 shots last game in relief.

Ilya Samsonov is day to day with an upper-body injury. Sheldon Keefe did not consider giving Game 4’s start to Matt Murray.

This is Joseph Woll’s net.

— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 9, 2023

Needless to say, there's plenty of people in Leafs Nation shaking their heads at the moment, and yes, it has lots more to do with just the goaltending decision. But this one is weird as Keefe is trying to do what he can to pump Woll's tires, stating to the media he's ready for this moment.

Woll has posted an .846 save % throughout two appearances these playoffs. Meanwhile, Murray recorded a 14-8-2 record this season with one shutout. His career stats in the Stanley Cup Playoffs include a 29-21 record with a 2.18 GAA and a .921 save %. 

Murray has proven himself twice that he's capable of leading a team to a championship. Is Keefe making the right decision?

Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports