Ilya Samsonov is solidifying himself as the Maple Leafs' playoff starting goalie
The last time Ilya Samsonov had walked out of KeyBank Center in Buffalo, it was easy to wonder if he was walking away from the Toronto Maple Leafs and possibly his NHL future. His face grew longer with every step into the December cold after allowing five goals in just over 28 minutes of play as part of a Leafs 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. It was the defining performance of a stretch of his career so bad he considered retirement.
. . .
“I don’t remember when I was here last time,” Samsonov said with a knowing grin. “Nine goals? F— this s—.”
Samsonov can smile and laugh, as he did, because he’s earned the right to do so.
Swagger. Calm. Technical quality: All the best parts about Samsonov’s game — and any No. 1 goalie for that matter — that he seemed to be scarcely lacking the last time he was in Buffalo, he now counts in spades after a dominant 34-save shutout in his return to Buffalo.
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