Andrei Vasilevskiy was confirmed to start as goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning in their game at AMALIE Arena, with Watson and de Haan being scratched, and ABB and Fleury joining the lineup. The Lightning's practice session noted the absence of Mikhail Sergachev and Luke Glendening. Jonas Johansson was the only goalie present at the Bolts' optional morning skate, indicating Vasilevskiy's start. The Toronto Maple Leafs are deciding between Jones and Samsonov for the starting goalie position in their upcoming game in Buffalo. Ilya Samsonov, who is 5-1-5 for the season with the last four starts at 1-0-3 and the last two at 0-0-2, is projected to start after being seen performing his usual starter's routine during the morning skate. Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe stated about Samsonov, 'He has to play. We have to get him going here. That's really it.' Mark Giordano was on the ice for the Leafs' morning skate, although Keefe indicated he wouldn't play before Christmas and is considered day-to-day post-break. For the Buffalo Sabres, Zemgus Girgensons was spotted ahead of their morning skate, and Sam Girard was also seen on the ice prior to their practice session.
Keefe on Giordano's participation in morning skate: "It is encouraging, great to see him out. He has been progressing very well. He won’t play before Christmas. The timeline points more toward him being day to day as we return from the Christmas break." #Leafs
Another goalie who can fatten up on the #Sabres tonight. Ilya Samsonov starts for #Leafs vs. Levi Samsonov is 5-1-5, 3.51/.878 for the season Last 4 starts: 1-0-3, 3.44/.879 Last 2 starts: 0-0-2, 4.96/.844
Big development - Sam Girard on the ice prior to morning skate.
Keefe on Samsonov starting tonight: "He has to play. We have to get him going here. That's really it." #Leafs
Sheldon Keefe on Ilya Samsonov starting tonight: “He’s gotta play.”
Samsonov first #Leafs goalie off the ice
It appears Ilya Samsonov will start for #Leafs against #Sabres.
Ilya Samsonov is doing his usual starter’s routine during the morning skate. He’s the projected starter against the Sabres tonight. @BodogCA
Ilya Samsonov is doing his usual starter’s routine during the morning skate. He’s the projected starter against the Sabres tonight. @BoDoggosNFT
Mark Giordano on the ice for the #Leafs morning skate in Buffalo.
Jonas Johansson is the only goalie on the ice for the #Bolts optional morning skate, so expect Andrei Vasilevskiy between the pipes for Tampa Bay tonight.
We have a Zemgus Girgensons sighting as the Sabres make their way out for the morning skate. https://t.co/Kb7hB5zlxC
Jones or Samsonov. Who gets the start in goal tonight? #Leafs set to hold a full skate in Buffalo later this morning. https://t.co/aBzaJgHVkf https://t.co/aBzaJgHVkf
#Bolts practice is set to get underway here at AMALIE Arena. No sign of Mikhail Sergachev or Luke Glendening.
Andrei Vasilevskiy starts in goal as he leads the #Bolts onto the ice for pregame warm-ups here at AMALIE Arena. Watson and de Haan scratched. ABB and Fleury in.