3 Toronto Maple Leafs Who Need to Play Better to Start Game 1

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 17: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes is knocked to the ice by Luke Schenn #2 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 17, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Hurricanes 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

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Toronto Maple Leafs: Matt Murray Kind of Impressive In Debut

Sep 28, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Matt Murray (30) plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Matt Murray

The biggest question surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs playoff chances this year is the health and play of Matt Murray.

He has a few more games left to give himself the net and be the man for the Leafs during Game 1 of the playoffs.

However, as of right now, there’s no way he’s starting.

I mean, how can you take a chance on Murray right now when you have Samsonov? I know the previous playoff success is an important stat but come on, he’s not playing to that caliber right now.

It’ll be interesting to see how much time Murray even gets down the stretch.

If he’s able to play well for four or five games, there’s a possibility that Sheldon Keefe goes with Murray over Samsonov. However, if he plays average, he may never touch the net in the playoffs.

With a few good games, Murray could change his career path and make Toronto’s job easier.

However, if he doesn’t perform well, not only could Murray not play a playoff game, but he could be traded this offseason.

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