The Toronto Maple Leafs' head coach, Sheldon Keefe, has decided to start Martin Jones in goal for the fourth consecutive game as they face the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. This decision comes after Jones' strong performances in recent games against the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.

Why It Matters

Keefe's choice to continue starting Jones over other goaltending options, despite his initial third-tier position, reflects the team's confidence in Jones' current form and ability to maintain the team's momentum.

By the Numbers
  • Jones is currently 6-3-0 with a .930 save percentage and two shutouts with Toronto.
  • No. 1 goaltending option Joseph Woll has been out since Dec. 7 with a high-ankle sprain.
State of Play
  • Sheldon Keefe's decision highlights the team's commitment to leveraging Jones' strong performance to secure victories.
  • The Leafs are closely evaluating the performance and readiness of their goaltending options, including the potential return of Ilya Samsonov.
What's Next

The team will continue to monitor the goaltending situation closely, with potential re-evaluation of Samsonov's stint and decisions on who starts in future games, considering upcoming back-to-back matches in January.

Bottom Line

The Maple Leafs' strategic choice to start Martin Jones demonstrates their emphasis on leveraging strong player performance to enhance their competitive position and overall team success.