Leafs Suffer Brutal Loss after Controversial Coaching Decision and Samsonov's Shocking News
It was a brutal loss for the Maple Leafs, who succumbed to a bottom-of-the-barrel Blackhawks team 5-2, and allowed Patrick Kane to put out a dominant hattrick.
Ilya Samsonov started the game, but immediately looked uneasy. Despite this, he still pulled off a couple of very nice saves.
Luckily, Joseph Woll was able to come in to relieve Ilya Samsonov, but unfortunately the Leafs did lose the game.
Samsonov revealed after the game that he was dealing with a stomach bug and that he wasn't feeling well. Despite this, Sheldon Keefe forced him between the pipes instead of starting Woll or calling up Erik Kallgren.
This is an odd decision, especially since players need to be in perfect health for the playoffs. At this point in the season, it would be logical to let Ilya Samsonov get healthy, especially in a game against a weak Blackhawks team.
Ilya Samsonov can't be blamed for this loss, but Sheldon Keefe's negligence to adapt to the circumstances might deserve some of the blame.
Hopefully Ilya Samsonov feels better soon!
Source Maple Leafs Daily:
Leafs goaltender makes a shocking admission following loss to last place Hawks
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