Artur Akhtyamov impresses in first NHL start despite Leafs defensive collapse vs Islanders

Having been outshot by the Islanders 44-16, the Toronto Maple Leafs had some security from goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, the 24-year-old having been reliable in his first NHL start.

Akhtyamov rebounded from some early shakiness to compose himself as the game went down, making 39 saves on 44 shots.

Having been called up on short notice following an injury to starting netminder Anthony Stolarz, Akhtyamov was a surprising calming presence for a Leafs team that saw nothing go right at either end.

In his first NHL start and second NHL game, Artur Akhtyamov looked a lot more mature than expected, even so with a disappointing all-around performance.

Well outshot, it was little for Akhtyamov to be blamed for except for some immediate pains in net, but Akhtyamov having eased into the NHL pace quickly.

Having had to face a whopping 23 shots in the first period. Akhtyamov had to face just 21 in the last 40 minutes of play, but none less intense with the lack of defensive control from the Leafs.

Akhtyamov's performance in this season was one that perhaps saved the Leafs from an even further embarrassment, already able to be a protector for Toronto in net.

Artur Akhtyamov made a strong case for the Toronto Maple Leafs to give him more than just a call-up beyond this season, and that he's a serious option in net.

It was circumstance that it was Akhtyamov rather than Dennis Hildeby that got the start against the Islanders. Hildeby had just played Wednesday in the AHL, leaving Akhtyamov the more rested option.

Not wanting to play Hildeby two days in a row from the AHL to NHL, Akhtyamov got the chance, and ran away with it on his debut.

Akhtyamov has a 20-12-4 record on the season with the Marlies, along with a 2.90 GAA and a .903 SV%. In net for the Leafs, he didn't look all that far away.

With uncertainty over the future of both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll as long term options for the Leafs in net, which could see both Akhtyamov and Hildeby not just battle for a spot, but be the Leafs future tandem.

Recency bias may favor Akhtyamov now, but Hildeby is the more proven and experienced in the NHL of the two, but eventually both could see consistent NHL action in due time.

If one of Stolarz and Woll are moved out in the Leafs expected reset, it could open one of Toronto's two young goalies to the forefront.

In a tough game, Artur Akhtyamov proved himself amid some challenging circumstances. Toronto will want to see what their young netminder can do with a stronger team around them next season.

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