Analysis: Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov’s first starts as Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are two games into the 2021-22 season and people are already going bonkers over the goalie situation. It’s Matt Murray versus Ilya Samsonov. And sides are already being taken.
I don’t think it was the easiest game for Murray to play. There wasn’t much action. But some of the stylistic tendencies that have plagued him in the past showed up once again. He’s still not tracking the puck well. And Murray’s wide stance isn’t helping his mobility. I didn’t think it was Murray’s best outing. The way he’s tracking pucks concerns me and I think his rebound control isn’t where it needs to be. Which relates once again to how low he gets in his stance. Pucks are hitting his hands and shoulders rather than his chest.
But Murray has a worrisome knack of allowing goals on clean shots. And that’s exactly what sunk the Leafs against Montreal.Samsonov got his first start with the Maple Leafs Thursday night against his former team, the Washington Capitals. The 25-year old Russian netminder earned the victory, stopping 24 of 26 shots.
It’s a quick play and there’s no guarantee that Samsonov would have made the save. But had he remained patient with his blocker hand and played between his posts – instead of in front of them – he would have had a much better chance.At first glance, Samsonov looks like he’s square to the shooter. His upper body is filling space. But look closely at Samsonov’s feet. They’re lined up with Johansson’s body. Not the stick blade.
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