Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov makes surprising equipment change ahead of tomorrow's start
It's fairly common knowledge that goaltenders are very superstitious creatures. They have their own unique routines that, if broken, can sometimes be catastrophic. Obviously, some are skeptical that their routines and quirks even matter all that much and that there's a great deal of luck involved in stopping pucks that you often can't even see. However, Ilya Samsonov has made a change that he's hoping will help him rediscover his magic from last season. What's more is that the change doesn't even involve his play.
The Hockey News' David Alter shared a photo on Thursday from the Leafs' game day skate that showed Samsonov shedding his new CuJo/Toskala inspired goalie mask and going back to old faithful, his mask from last season.
Changing a single piece of equipment and hoping for a different result may not seem like anything of real import or significance to a fan, but for goalies, everything is very much about how they feel. An uncomfortable netminder can be a shaky netminder.
Granted, a mask is just a mask. It's just carbon/kevlar, a metal cage, some foam, a few straps and a paint job. However, if changing a mask can improve how a goalie feels, it can make all the difference. Confidence is everything. Yes, Samsonov will still have to put in the work with the goalie coaches and development team, but if the mask itself inspires a feeling of change in him and renews his confidence, then I'm sure nobody will mind if the new mask sits in the bag for awhile.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 27 | 385 ANSWERS Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov makes surprising equipment change ahead of tomorrow's start Do you think Samsonov switching back to his old mask will make a difference in his overall play? | ||
| Yes, it's a mental thing | 185 | 48.1 % |
| No, it's just a mask | 110 | 28.6 % |
| What does he have to lose at this point? | 90 | 23.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
