Earlier this week, Sheldon Keefe was asked about what might have sparked his group during a successful road trip through California. He stated that the loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in late December “got the team’s attention.” After back-to-back losses where the Leafs have relinquished multi-goal leads, Keefe will be looking for a similar response of tightening up the details from his group as they host the Red Wings tonight.
Ilya Samsonov, who cleared waivers earlier this month, will get the start in goal. The organization decided on individual practice time and a mental reset over any starts with the Toronto Marlies (who, notably, have been struggling with seven losses in their last eight); meaning, this is his first start since conceding six in Columbus on December 29 and certainly as (personally) pivotal as they come as far as mid-season regular season starts go.