NHL: Utah at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — NHL insider provides update on Toronto Maple Leafs starting goalie agaisnt Buffalo Sabres (Source: Imagn)

Maple Leafs starting goalie tonight: Toronto makes shock decision between pipes for Sabres game

Modified Dec 20, 2024 18:27 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a surprising choice by starting Matt Murray in goal against the Buffalo Sabres. NHL insider Heather Engel confirmed the news, noting this will be Murray’s first NHL game since April 2, 2023.

Taking to X, Engel tweeted:

"Matt Murray will start for the Maple Leafs tonight, coach Craig Berube says."

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Murray missed most of last season after undergoing bilateral hip surgery. The 30-year-old has worked his way back, performing well in the AHL this season. He posted a 4-1-2 record, a 1.85 goals-against average (GAA), and a .931 save percentage with the Toronto Marlies.

Earlier on Wednesday, Maple Leafs' coach Craig Berube indicated Murray's role with the Leafs.

“That’s encouraging. That’s great for him and the Marlies,” Berube had said Wednesday in Dallas per Sportsnet. “This guy’s got a lot of experience, and he’s won. So, we’re gonna look at everything and make some decisions.”

During the 2022-23 season, Murray played 26 games for Toronto. He recorded a 14-8-2 record, a 3.01 GAA, and a .903 save percentage. While those numbers were average, his recent AHL stats suggest improvement and readiness for this opportunity. The Sabres are averaging 2.88 goals per game.

An opportunity for Maple Leafs to not overburden Joseph Woll

This game is important for both Matt Murray and the Maple Leafs. For Murray, it’s a chance to prove he can perform at the NHL level again. For the Leafs, it’s an opportunity to assess their goaltending depth. The Leafs have Joseph Woll performing well for them with 36 saves in the 5-3 win over the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.

However, with Anthony Stolarz's absence till at least late January after undergoing knee surgery, the Leafs needed someone else in tandem to avoid overburdening Woll. The 26-year-old has not allowed more than three goals in a game since October 24. This season, he is 9-4-0 in 13 games, with a 2.30 GAA and a .918 save percentage.

Toronto Maple Leafs are treading in the right direction.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are doing well this season with a 20-10-2 record. They are tied for first in the Atlantic Division. Mitch Marner and William Nylander lead the offense with 42 points and Nylander with 20 goals. However, the team needs to strengthen their power play, ranking 20th. They also need better defense.

The Leafs' penalty kill has been strong at 82.7%. If they improve their overall play, the Leafs should be in a good position for the playoffs. So, far changing their head coach to Craig Berube is working fine for the Leafs.