Maple Leafs confirm starting goalie for Game 4

For the first time in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing the prospect of being eliminated. This comes on the heels of having fallen behind three games to none in their Round 2 series against the Florida Panthers, who already stunned the hockey world by defeating the 65-win Boston Bruins in a thrilling seven game Round 1 series. 

And not only did the Leafs lose in overtime on Sunday evening to put them on the brink of being knocked out, but they also lost starting goaltender Ilya Samsonov to injury early in the second period after teammate Luke Schenn accidentally collided with him. Third stringer Joseph Woll, who has served as backup thanks to the unavailability of Matt Murray, would find himself suddenly thrust into action. 

Earlier today during practice at FLA Live Arena, Samsonov was absent from the ice as both Woll and Matt Murray worked with goaltending coach Curtis Sanford.

And it wasn't long after the skate's conclusion that head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that it would be Woll starting tomorrow's Game 4. He would also clarify Samsonov's injury, saying that it's of the upper body variety.

Woll made 18 saves on the 21 Panthers shots that he faced after replacing Samsonov in net.