Ilya Samsonov robs Matthew Tkachuk of a sure goal

Ilya Samsonov has not been sharp to begin the 2023-24 season, but boy, oh boy, did he ever rob Matthew Tkachuk in the first period of the Leafs/Panthers game on Thursday evening.

The play occurred early in the first period after the Panthers had fired a puck towards the Leafs' net. Tkachuk crashed the crease in an attempt to bat in the loose puck, but Samsonov's left pad was able to kick out the puck, which then deflected off a skate before he corralled the rebound and froze the puck.

This is certainly Samsonov's best stop of the young season and hopefully it will act as a bit of a catalyst for him, as the Leafs will need Samsonov to get dialed in early if they want to have any chance of stacking up wins in an attempt to win the Atlantic Division this season.

Leafs Confirm Matthew Knies' Status For Sunday's Game

Maple Leafs Officially Announce NHL Deal for Alex Nylander

Former Maple Leafs Pivot Ryan O'Reilly Among Two Potential Trade Targets in Toronto

NHL Insider Reveals Auston Matthews' Return Date for the Maple Leafs

The Hits Just Keep Coming for the Maple Leafs: Another Absence Leads to Another AHL Recall

Pair of Maple Leafs Reporters Engage in Heated Altercation Over Mitch Marner's Actual Value

Ryan Reaves' Brother Gets Involved in Public Beef with Oilers Defenseman Darnell Nurse

NHL Explains Why Zach Whitecloud's Hit on Matthew Knies Didn't Warrant a Suspension

Oilers' Darnell Nurse Deep Fries Maple Leafs Enforcer Ryan Reaves For Dangerous Hit

Player Safety Reportedly Makes Controversial Decision on Zach Whitecloud's hit on Leafs' Matthew Knies