'I Almost Cry, A Long Time I Didn't Hear This': Maple Leafs Players and Fans Show Love to Ilya Samsonov Following Shutout Victory Against Jets
Samsonov made 28 saves to pick up his second shutout of the season. But it was two saves on a 2-on-0 that had the crowd on its feet.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports - 'I Almost Cry, A Long Time I Didn't Hear This': Maple Leafs Players and Fans Show Love to Ilya Samsonov Following Shutout Victory Against JetsIf you told Ilya Samsonov a few weeks ago that a capacity crowd would be cheering his name after a victory against the Central Division-leading Winnipeg Jets, the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender probably wouldn't believe you.
But there he was on Wednesday, making his second consecutive start in goal and third since being placed on waivers on Dec. 31.
It's been a long journey for the Russian goaltender as he worked through some issues mentally within his game. But the road to recovery hasn't been as clear as it is now following a spectacular 32-save shutout in a 1-0 victory.
"We won. It’s huge. Really important for me to build some confidence," Samsonov said after the game. "Everything in my head, not panicking, moment by moment. It’s really important for me right now."
That's always been the knock on the 26-year-old goaltender from Magnitogorsk. When the goaltender begins to go through a funk, it hits him hard. That's when the Maple Leafs put their work in — on and off the ice — to help the goalie find his game.
On Wednesday, he didn't just play well. He was the reason for his team's victory.
"I thought he was the best player on the ice by far. I can’t say enough good things about him," Auston Matthews said. "Just the way he played tonight was incredible."
Matthews scored his league-leading 39th goal of the season. Following the game, it's the responsibility of the holder of the belt (Toronto's player-of-the-game award) to hand it to another MVP.
Samsonov attempted to give it to Matthews after winning it on Sunday with his .941 save percentage in a 3-1 win against the Kraken.
But he was unsuccessful.
"He said it’s coming back to me," Samsonov said.
Following practice on Tuesday, Samsonov stressed the importance of staying in the moment and leaning on family to help him get out of his rut. The ability to forget about the previous goal against or previous game is paramount to any goaltender who has had success in the NHL.
Staying in the moment is what helped the goaltender handle a 2-on-0 situation in the second period after the Maple Leafs turned the puck over while on the power play. Winnipeg's Morgan Barron and Adam Lowry passed the puck to each other before Samsonov made the initial stop on Lowry. Samsonov then got his leg out to pick up Barron's rebound as well, sending the Scotiabank Arena crowd into a frenzy.
"Just focus on the puck and look at the sticks and see what the guys are doing, if they’re going to shoot," Samsonov said. "We see it in the practice, too. It’s not a surprise for the goalies. Play like you play."
When play was whistled down after he had to make another difficult save, the crowd chanted his name.
"I almost cry, the fans were loud," Samsonov said of the encouragement. "It was important for me. A long time I didn’t hear this. This is huge. Thank you, thank you again."
Since returning from a short stint working with the Marlies, Samsonov is 2-1-0 with a .900 save percentage. With each game he has looked more impressive and more important to the Leafs, the goaltender appears to have a different disposition and outlook abiyt his game.
"I’ve always loved his attitude and the way he goes about his business," Matthews said of Samsonov. "It wasn’t going well for him for a little bit. That’s when you work harder and harder and just dial it in.
"Mentally he’s as solid as any goalie I’ve been around. For him to rebound like he has is good for our team and unbelievable for his confidence. It just speaks to his preparation and his mindset."
Earlier in the day, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe explained that goaltender Joseph Woll's return to the Leafs lineup following the NHL All-Star Break is not "imminent".
The club will have to rely on the tandem of Samsonov and Martin Jones for a little while longer. But as long as Samsonov stays steady, the Leafs can get the results.
The team did not play well in front of Samsonov on Wednesday. But when they needed him, he delivered.
"Perfect," Keefe said. "He was excellent from start to finish."
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