Ilya Samsonov declared recently he doesn't break. Crucial to his team's hopes of ending a generation of playoff misery, the Maple Leafs goaltender also wasn't bothered by some down time ahead of what Toronto hopes will be a long post-season grind.
TORONTO - Ilya Samsonov declared recently he doesn't break.
“I rested mentally,” Samonov said Saturday following Toronto's optional practice. “It's really hard to play a lot.With the Leafs set to host Game 1 of the best-of-seven series Tuesday, the Original Six franchise is banking on Samsonov's solid campaign transitioning to the spring after he signed in free agency following an abrupt end with the Washington Capitals.
Samsonov, who missed time because of a knee injury in the fall, finished 27-10-5 with a .919 save percentage and a 2.33 goals-against average in 42 appearances in 2022-23 for an organization that hasn't advanced in the playoffs since 2004 or won the Stanley Cup since 1967. “So happy how friendly this team is,” said Samsonov, who won a KHL title with Magnitogorsk in 2016. “My first day in the locker room, everybody says hi, asking how you feeling, how you like it here?Rielly said Samsonov, never shy to joke with reporters in front of cameras or behind the scenes, was part of the group almost immediately.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Acciari scores late winner, Maple Leafs beat Rangers 3-2Noel Acciari scored the go-ahead goal late in third period, Joseph Woll made 22 saves and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the New York Rangers 3-2 on Thursday night in the season finale for both teams.
Read more »
Maple Leafs end regular season in style, beat Rangers for 50th winThe first round of the playoffs against Tampa Bay will come next week in Toronto, possibly on Tuesday. But first, the Leafs put a bow on the regular season in NYC. From koshtorontosun: Maple Leafs end regular season in style, beat Rangers for 50th win
Read more »
Acciari scores late winner, Maple Leafs beat Rangers 3-2Noel Acciari scores game winner as Toronto Maple Leafs edge New York Rangers 3-2
Read more »
KOSHAN: Maple Leafs end great regular season on a high note, and yes, that mattersThere should be plenty of optimism around the Leafs once the first round starts against the Tampa Bay Lightning next week.
Read more »
Maple Leafs open NHL playoffs Tuesday against LightningThe NHL playoffs actually kick off on Monday, with Florida at Boston, the New York Islanders at Carolina and Los Angeles at Edmonon.
Read more »
KOSHAN: Maple Leafs heading into playoffs on the right noteSheldon Keefe couldn’t have asked for more from the Maple Leafs.
Read more »