After a difficult start to the season and a stint in the American Hockey League, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov has shown very impressive performances in several games.
On Wednesday night, the Russian goaltender recorded his second shutout of the season in a 1-0 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets. Among his 32 saves, Samsonov notably fended off Adam Lowry and Morgan Barron in turns with a two-on-zero run while his team was on the power play.
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“[Samsonov] was our best player on the ice tonight [mercredi], Auston Matthews admitted to the Leafs' official website after the meeting. I can't say enough good things about him. The way he played was incredible.”
Additionally, the audience at the Scotiabank Arena appreciated the work of Cerberus, who said he “almost cried” when he heard the audience chanting his name. The story of Queen City Club head coach Sheldon Keefe was similar.
“[Samsonov] was great, he said. [C’est] just another staple for him that has him looking more confident than ever.”
On December 31, the former Washington Capitals player was granted waivers. He went unclaimed and spent nearly two weeks with the Toronto Marlies working on his game with Hannu Toivonen, the Maple Leafs' goaltending coach.
The 26-year-old returned to action on January 14 against the Detroit Red Wings and has since maintained a 2-1-0 record, a 1.33 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage.
Samsonov signed a one-year, $3.55 million contract with the Maple Leafs in July 2023. His team will face the Jets again on Saturday, this time in Winnipeg.