Sportsnet Analyst proposes interesting theory about why Samsonov is struggling

At 2-1-1 with a 3.98 GAA and .841 save percentage to begin the season, Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov has struggled - that's no secret. After being pulled in favour of Joseph Woll against the Tampa Bay Lightning just 10 days ago, Samsonov has been relegated to a backup role behind Woll, not seeing another start until this past Saturday's game in Nashville.

Samsonov was very open about his mental struggles through his first three games of the season. After returning to the net Saturday against the Nashville Predators this weekend, he had what could be considered his best game of the season, even though the Leafs lost 3-2 in overtime.

Yesterday on The Real Kyper and Bourne show, Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne discussed the Leafs' goaltending situation and why Samsonov is struggling. In that discussion, Kypreos made a very bold statement about Samsonov and why he is struggling and praised Woll for stabilizing the net.

Kypreos believes that the pressure from Woll's hot start is making Samsonov worry about whether he is going to start the next game or not instead of just going out and playing and stopping pucks. While Kypreos admits he can't confirm whether that is the true reason why Samsonov is struggling, it could very well be playing a role and impacting him mentally. The other thing that could be contributing to Samsonov's tough start is the fact that he will be a UFA at the end of the season and is playing for a long-term contract and hoping to prove that last year was not a fluke.

Kypreos also alluded to the fact that Samsonov had a much better performance Saturday against Nashville and with Woll starting tonight against the LA Kings, Samsonov will have more time to work on and fine-tune his game before a possible start Thursday against the Boston Bruins.

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

Craig Berube Shares Surprising Update on Leafs Winger Matthew Knies

Craig Berube Shares Exciting News Regarding Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews

Leafs Goalie Joseph Woll Admits to Using Matthew Knies Injury as Motivation to Stick it to Vegas

The NHL's Treatment of Ryan Reaves Versus Their Treatment of Zach Whitecloud Causing Unrest in Toronto

Leafs Coach Craig Berube Shares Update on Matthew Knies, Does His Best to Avoid $25,000 Fine

Leafs' Nikita Grebenkin Could Face Supplemental Discipline After NHL Debut

Dirty, Dangerous Hit Forces Leafs Winger Matthew Knies Into Concussion Protocol

Ex-Leafs Goalie Ilya Samsonov Reveals his Biggest Regret About His Time in Toronto

Leafs GM Brad Treliving Admits to Concerns About Being Forced to Recall Fraser Minten