Ilya Samsonov on nerves, The Rock, and his first win as a Leaf
Ilya Samsonov's first game as a Leaf will be a life long memory. The Toronto Maple Leafs played their home opener against the team that left Samsonov high and dry without a qualifying offer this past summer. For the 25 year old netminder, there were definitely some nerves.
Honestly, just playing in a Leafs home opener would be a wild experience. The game featured cameo appearances from the great Felix Potvin and even Duane "The Rock" Johnson. The fanfare and excitement are enough to distract anyone, that is, if you know who The Rock is. Apparently Samsonov had never heard of the famous wrestler/actor before tonight.
Samsonov looked a little shaky on the Capitals second goal, a squeaker that found its way under his arm and in. After that, the kid from Magnitogorsk shut the door. Samsonov came up huge several times with the game on the line in the third while the referees did everything they could go help the Caps tie it up, sending them to the PP 3 times after the Leafs took the lead.
When asked how it felt to get his first win with the blue and white, Samsonov was nothing but thankful. His answer would have made former Leafs nice guy goalie Jack Campbell proud.
-Ilya Samsonov
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 14 | 204 ANSWERS Ilya Samsonov on nerves, The Rock, and his first win as a Leaf Who deserves the start against the Sens on Saturday? | ||
| Murray | 87 | 42.6 % |
| Samsonov | 117 | 57.4 % |
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