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Toronto Maple Leafs Announcement for Game 7 Lineup Changes
The Toronto Maple Leafs are implementing significant changes to their lineup for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins, scheduled for Saturday. The alterations include the return of star center Auston Matthews, who missed Games 5 and 6 due to an undisclosed ailment. Conversely, goaltender Joseph Woll is sidelined for Game 7 with an undisclosed injury after playing a crucial role in the previous two matchups.
Ilya Samsonov will reassume his position in the net after serving as the starting goaltender for the initial four games of the series. Martin Jones will serve as the backup goalie. Following Samsonov’s less-than-ideal performance in the first four games, the Leafs turned to Woll, who impressively allowed only one goal in each of the past two games, effectively tying the series for Toronto.
The Leafs management revealed that Woll sustained his injury during Game 6. An incident during the game saw him slow to recover after a demanding play to prevent an inconsequential, last-second goal in Toronto’s 2-1 victory.
Although Matthews was absent for Game 6, his return is anticipated for Game 7 after engaging in puck drills ahead of the team’s skate. Despite being pulled from Game 4 during the second intermission, the 26-year-old has been absent from play since then.
Lineup Adjustments and Players’ Statistics
For the upcoming game, Matthews is set to feature on the third line alongside Pontus Holmberg and Calle Jarnkrok. Head coach Sheldon Keefe has decided to maintain the top six players intact at the beginning of the game, with Nick Robertson and Ryan Reaves sitting out.
Matthews notably led the NHL this season with an impressive tally of 69 goals. On the other hand, Samsonov has maintained a 3.31 goals-against average and a .883 save percentage during the playoffs. He will face off against Boston’s goalie, Jeremy Swayman, who boasts a remarkable 1.60 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage across five games.
Where to Watch Game 7
Don’t miss the thrilling Game 7 action, airing on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+ at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
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