Goalie Issues For The Toronto Maple Leafs

2 years ago  /  Kuklas Korner

from Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun,


On First Responders Night at Scotiabank Arena, with their goaltending in dire distress, the Maple Leafs called on Erik Kallgren.

Then they dialled in their offence in the third period to erase a three-goal Arizona lead, before having to settle for a point in Thursday’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Arizona Coyotes. But in lauding Kallgren for coming in cold to his first NHL action, coach Sheldon Keefe had to acknowledge the hole in the game’s most vital position, so close to the trade deadline and the start of playoffs.

After learning Jack Campbell would miss two weeks or more with a rib injury, Keefe handed the keys to Petr Mrazek, who gave up two early bad goals and four on 12 shots. With four or more goals against the last five games, Toronto is in its worst defensive slide since Mike Babcock was relieved as coach.

Not that Keefe’s team is danger of missing the playoffs, but this goes far beyond the ability of Auston Matthews and others to score their way out of trouble.

“Today was a great opportunity for Petr, so it’s disappointing,” Keefe said. “We have confidence he’s going to find himself, but my concern continues to be the team that plays in front of him.”


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