ALBERGA ON LEAFS GOALIE SITUATION
By: Braedyn Wozniak, RP Show Intern
The Leafs are yet again entering the regular season as a team with high expectations but a track record of consistently falling short.
Yet again, goaltending is a concern for the high-powered offensive team.
But it may not be as grim as people think. Maple Leafs Reporter and fantasy hockey expert Nick Alberga says the goaltending has been at least adequate through the pre-season.
“You’ve got to preface by saying it’s the pre-season,” said Alberga on the Rod Pedersen Show. “But so far, so good, passing with flying colours. Matt Murray, I thought he looked really, really good last night against Montreal at the Bell Center. Ilya Samsonov has been really steady as well.”
Matt Murray has looked impressive, allowing only one goal in 46 shots his last two games against the Canadiens. He’s also a Stanley Cup Champion and a Conne Smythe winner.
But as Alberga pointed out, Murray has only played 47 games in the last two seasons, with less than stellar results.
“Polling the community and working in the fantasy world, a lot of people seem to be down on the Maple Leafs, and a big reason why is their goaltending,” said Alberga.
“I’m just not sure how you can make the case now but then felt so great about Jack Campbell, he still had his turbulent moments last season.”
That he did, although Campbell still mustered an all-star appearance last season. But it was clear the Leafs were ready to move on from the fan favourite Campbell and the injury-plagued Petr Mrazek, which was their tandem last year.
Campbell signed a five-year 25-million-dollar contract with the Edmonton Oilers this off-season, and Mrazek signed with the Chicago Blackhwaks.
It’s hard to say Murray and Samsonov are an upgrade in net, but there is potential there. Samsonov was selected 22nd overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft, but has played for an offensive minded Washington Capitals team during his NHL career.
And as previously noted, Matt Murray has a wealth of playoff experience, something the Maple Leafs desperately need, especially in net.
For those reasons, coupled with the play of the goaltending tandem so far this pre-season, Albergas sees the Maple Leafs as a contender again this season.
“I think they’re still at the beginning of their window to win a Stanley Cup. It’s hard to say that because they haven’t won a cup since 1967,” said Albergas.
“But having said that, If they don’t win this year, I think you have to make that rash decision and make a big time trade,” said Alberga. “And that includes trading a Marner or trading a Nylander.”
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily on Game+ TV across Canada and the USA and on WQEE 99.1 FM Metro Atlanta)
