Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltender Ilya Samsonov is confirmed to start in the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night, as announced by head coach Sheldon Keefe and reported by @BodogCA. Keefe cites the benefits of the additional rest Samsonov had, which was deemed necessary due to his recent struggles. In related news, defenseman Mark Giordano is set to make a comeback to the lineup after recovering from a broken finger, feeling physically good and mentioning he has extra energy from the time off.
From @7ElevenCanada That's Hockey: How much of a surprise is it that Sheldon Keefe is going with Ilya Samsonov against Columbus given his struggles? https://t.co/vZMtD1kpIl https://t.co/CZ7rlAEFF3
"So to have, for Sammy, additional time, I think really benefits him." #Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe explains the decision to start Ilya Samsonov against the Blue Jackets on Friday. ⤵️ https://t.co/upIZLhEJbE https://t.co/upIZLhEJbE
Sheldon Keefe explains why he believes having a few days off from the game benefitted Ilya Samsonov - who had been struggling prior to the break - and said Samsonov will start tomorrow night against Columbus: https://t.co/LLvDyiYUcb https://t.co/1xq2Kefoi7
Sheldon Keefe said he expects Mark Giordano to be back in the lineup tomorrow night after missing a month with a broken finger. Giordano said he's feeling good physically and feels like he has some extra energy from the time off: https://t.co/eNcYLnegJG https://t.co/idMif2M3pD
Ilya Samsonov will start for the Leafs in Columbus on Friday night, Sheldon Keefe says.
Ilya Samsonov will get the start vs CBJ tomorrow, per Keefe. @BodogCA