Maple Leafs' Samsonov returns to crease vs. Sharks

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov returned to the crease Wednesday night against the San Jose Sharks.

Samsonov hadn't played since Nov. 5 against the Boston Bruins. He suffered a knee injury attempting to save a Brad Marchand penalty shot, exiting the game after the second period.

Wednesday's contest marked the first the Maple Leafs have had both Matt Murray and Samsonov available since the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

Samsonov posted a 6-2-0 record and a .921 save percentage in eight starts with Murray unavailable.

Toronto lost its previous matchup against the Sharks this campaign 4-3 in overtime with Erik Kallgren between the pipes.

The Maple Leafs are 14-5-5, second in the Atlantic Division.