The win marked Samsonov's first game back in Buffalo since an embarrassing 9-3 loss on December 21st, in which Samsonov was lit up for 5 goals on 24 shots on a night where the Sabres put up 9 goals on the Leafs. Clearly, he had this one marked on the calendar, because Samsonov came to play on Saturday.
After the game, the 27-year-old Leafs netminder made it abundantly clear he hadn't forgotten the last time he was in the building in the form of a hilarious quote during his postgame interview.
Clearly, Samsonov is in an entirely different headspace now than he was in back in December. It's great to see him rebound and find his form directly before the playoffs. Between his excellent play and Joseph Woll's recent struggles, I see no reason why Samsonov isn't the Leafs' starter when the postseason begins.
POLL | ||
31 MARS | 362 ANSWERS Ilya Samsonov drops hilarious quote following shutout win Who is your game 1 starter if the playoffs began today? | ||
Samsonov | 331 | 91.4 % |
Woll | 29 | 8 % |
Jones | 2 | 0.6 % |
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