Toronto Maple Leafs

Five Reasons the Maple Leafs Should Play Erik Kallgren Until He Fails

The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting rookie goalie Erik Kallgren against a tough Carolina Hurricanes team. Why is this move a good one?

by
Old Prof
March 17, 2022

The word came down earlier yesterday that Swedish rookie goaltender Erik Kallgren would start tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes. To me, that seems like a wise move.

There are five reasons why starting Kallgren makes sense. These reasons include:

Reason One: Petr Mrazek Hasn’t Earned Anyone’s Trust

The Maple Leafs are playing at home and Petr Mrazek has not had a strong home game in a while. He isn’t performing and Kallgren seems a better bet to win the game.

Reason Two: Auston Matthews Is Out One More Game

The fact that Auston Matthews is out for the second-straight game lifts the rest of the team out of the shadows. Like it or not, having Matthews on the ice can tend to make the remaining players invisible. With Matthews gone, there’s nowhere to hide. I think working to cover for their best player can lift the rest of the team to a different level – for a short time.

Reason Three: The Maple Leafs Need Some Good News in Goal

Thus far, Kallgren has been hugely successful in his short tenure. That has to come as a pleasant surprise. There’s really little pressure on him. He helped the team pull out a point against the Arizona Coyotes – only to lose in overtime. He stopped all 35 shots he faced in his first NHL start on Tuesday in a 4-0 shutout over the Dallas Stars. He’s been good news when the team needed it.

Reason Four: Considering Risks vs. Benefits, The Benefits Win

The upside for starting Kallgren – even should he lose – is far higher than the downside. The Hurricanes are a really strong team. The smart money is riding on a Carolina victory. With Matthews out and a rookie goalie in the net, expectations for a victory are not high. If Kallgren loses, it’s expected. If he wins, it’s time for a parade.

Reason Five: The Maple Leafs Need a Goalie

Rumors are that the Maple Leafs have been out seeking help in goal. What if – shades of Jordan Binnington – the goalie they need is right under their noses? Sure, that might not be likely; however, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility. Why not see?

No better way to kick off your NHL career. 👌

Bravo, Erik Kallgren! pic.twitter.com/H0ZWgzwTb4
— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2022

Reason Six: Kallgren Might Become a Maple Leafs’ Rallying Point

As I noted earlier, Kallgren’s sample size is small; however, Kallgren’s sample has also been solid. The Stars are not chumps; and, he shut them out. The task Kallgren went into against the Coyotes wasn’t easy. He got the team halfway there when he forced a tie. Should Kallgren be able to duplicate his level of excellence – in one-and-a-half games, he has a 1-0-1 record with a goals-against-average of 0.66 and a save percentage of .978. That’s better than decent.

Is Sheldon Keefe Trying to Pull His Team Toward a Purpose?

Finally, given the fact that Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe has been harping on his team to protect the goalie lots more than they have, might starting Kallgren become a bit of a rallying point for the team. Will the team play for him? They did once.

Is it likely Kallgren wins? Probably not. Is it possible? Of course.

Just think: How would another win by the young Swedish goalie change the complexion of the Maple Leafs’ season?