Ilya Samsonov was stellar last night in Boston stopping 31 of 33 shots in the Leafs' 2-1 overtime loss. The point, along with Tampa's loss, secured home ice advantage for the Leafs. It might have been one of his best games of the season in what was a playoff-like game.
Obviously, it's never fun to be on the losing end, but when Sheldon Keefe was asked about his goaltender, the Leafs' bench boss was very complementary of the 25-year-old, pumping his tires even though he gave up one more goal than the guy at the other end of the ice.
"He was solid. Very solid. There was not a lot of offense to go around for either team tonight. Both teams defended incredibly hard. He was solid. He didn't let anything in that he shouldn't. In games like this, that is what you are asking for," said Keefe of Samsonov's play last night.
Not only did Samsonov impress Keefe with his play, but he also impressed TSN's Craig Button who said that he is 100% confident Samsonov can carry the Leafs in the playoffs. Button also called him one of the best goalies in the NHL, not just the best goalie in Toronto's stable of goaltenders.
