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.
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.
"He's been awesome," Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly said. "Came in and fit right in and played extremely well. He rose to the challenge. It's not easy coming into a new team, it's not easy being deal.The Leafs completely remade their crease connection in the summer by signing Samsonov, trading for Matt Murray and hiring goaltending coach Curtis Sanford.
"Meshed together really well," Leafs captain John Tavares said of the colourful Russian. "When challenges have come, he's really faced them extremely well and has responded great.Samsonov arrived in Toronto on that one-year contract worth US$1.8 million after Washington declined to tender him a qualifying offer."So different for me ... like two different worlds," he said. "I love my teammates. I like this city. It's unbelievable.
"It's a great balance," Rielly said. "He lets his personality come through. With us, it's the same thing. He's always smiling, always laughing, always in on the joke.Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said Samsonov's relationship with Sanford has been key as they worked to build trust — and the goaltender's game.
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