Maple Leafs’ Goalie Situation Might Be Better Than Expected

As the regular season winds down, the Maple Leafs have some decisions to make regarding their goaltending situation. Martin Jones remains on the roster as a reliable backup, ready to step in if needed. The return of Samsonov adds an intriguing dynamic, raising questions about who will claim the starting position heading into the postseason. However, who the starter might be is less important than the goalie trio is ready for playoff action and one of the three emerges as the guy!

The Postseason Has Had Surpring Goalies Who Have Stood Tall

I know there are a ton of Maple Leafs fans who are less than enamoured with this goalie trio. Recently one fan went a bit overboard (I believe) by noting that Samsonov was a train wreck and will always be a trainwreck. What gives fans like this their knowledge bases or the license to make such comments has always baffled me; yet, it speaks to Maple Leafs fans’ lack of confidence in their players.

While uncertainty looms, which is always the case, the Stanley Cup playoffs have a history of unexpected goalie performances. Just look at Anton Khudobin’s remarkable run with the Dallas Stars in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. When starter Ben Bishop was injured, Khudobin stepped up, starting 24 of 27 games on the way to the Stanley Cup Final. His impressive play serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the postseason. I believe the Maple Leafs’ goalie situation might be more promising than some fans anticipate.

This postseason, another goalie or two will also emerge to step up for his team. That goalie could be one of those on the Maple Leafs roster. It will happen, but we just don’t know what team that goalie will be from. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were the Maple Leafs.