Should The Toronto Maple Leafs Be Worried About Star Player?

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Dylan Robillard
May 7, 2023 (8:31)

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Should the Toronto Maple Leafs be concerned about their starting star goalie?

In the first round of the playoffs, Ilya Samsonov, looked really strong. Only have a shaking Game 1 and 4, the series was high scoring as it is but Samsonov stood on his head in key moments. Helping the Leafs get past the first round, for the first time since 2004.

Since then, It seems like the media and Florida Panthers have gotten to Ilya Samsonov. In the first 2 games against the Panthers, Ilya Samsonov has allowed 7 goals on only 57 shots. Putting Samsonov at a 4-4-0 record with a 3.27 GAA and .895 SV% in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In an interview after Game 2, the Leafs goaltender had no filter and was very vocal in his thoughts, after he was asked how he felt about Sergei Bobrovsky performance.

This doesn't look good for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as it shows that Samsonov is off his game and his head isn't really in it right now.

It is expected that Ilya Samsonov will be in goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 3 against the Florida Panthers, but the Russian goaltender showed more frustration on Saturday at morning skate. After allowing an in close shot from John Tavares.

Earlier in practice, Samsonov broke one of sticks in practice after allowing a goal. And then later in practice, he allowed a goal from John Tavares and swung his stick at the crossbar in frustration. He was also seen grabbing his left side in pain.

After all the commotion, Samsonov later went to the bench where goaltending coach Curtis Sanford spoke to him. The conversation appeared to cool the goaltender down, but many are still concerned about his availability and performance for Game 3.