“If we have a chance to rest, why not?”
With the Leafs set to host Game 1 of the best-of-seven series Tuesday, the Original Six franchise is counting on Samsonov’s strong campaign transitioning to the spring after he checked in complimentary company following an abrupt end with the Washington Capitals.
“He’s been awesome,” Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly said. “Came in and fit right in and played extremely well. He rose to the challenge. It’s not easy coming into a new team, it’s not easy being (on a one-year) deal.
“He deserves all the credit in the world.”
Toronto would likewise remain in huge problem without him.
The Leafs totally remade their crease connection in the summertime by finalizing Samsonov, trading for Matt Murray and employing goaltending coach Curtis Sanford.
But Murray, a two-time Stanley Cup champ as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, was not able to remain healthy following the swap with the Ottawa Senators for long stretches — a trademark of his recent seasons — and is presently out with a concussion.
Samsonov, who missed out on time due to the fact that of a knee injury in the fall, ended up 27-10-5 with a .919 save portion and a 2.33 goals-against average in 42 looks in 2022-23 for an organization that hasn’t advanced in the playoffs because 2004 or won the Stanley Cup because 1967.
“Meshed together really well,” Leafs captain John Tavares said of the vibrant Russian. “When challenges have come, he’s really faced them extremely well and has responded great.
“An important piece of our success.”
Samsonov shown up in Toronto on that 1 year agreement worth US$1.8 million after Washington decreased to tender him a certifying deal.
That shock rapidly relied on enjoyment when he signed with the Leafs.
“So different for me … like two different worlds,” he said. “I love my teammates. I like this city. It’s unbelievable.”
The 26-year-old said he was getting text from Toronto gamers within “three or four minutes” of putting pen to paper on his free-agent deal.
“So happy how friendly this team is,” said Samsonov, who won a KHL title with Magnitogorsk in 2016. “My first day in the locker room, everybody says hi, asking how you feeling, how you like it here?
“I feel more comfortable day-by-day, week-by-week.”
Rielly said Samsonov, never ever shy to joke with press reporters in front of electronic cameras or behind the scenes, became part of the group almost right away.
“It’s a great balance,” Rielly said. “He lets his personality come through. With us, it’s the same thing. He’s always smiling, always laughing, always in on the joke.
“Then when it’s time to play hockey, he’s extremely focused.”
Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said Samsonov’s relationship with Sanford has actually been essential as they worked to build trust — and the goaltender’s video game.
“We knew that he would be a guy looking to bounce back,” Keefe said. “Been very motivated and very focused. The talent has always been there. He’s got a great pedigree.
“Young guy that needed to kind of find his way.”
Keefe didn’t understand a lot about Samsonov entering into the training school, however has actually been completely pleased.
“Really composed,” he included. “Hasn’t been a perfect season for him — it’s been a great season — but it hasn’t been a perfect season.
“He put in the work in the off-season to come in here and take advantage of his opportunity.”
Samsonov likewise revealed a little bit of his swagger Saturday.
“Everybody wanna win the Stanley Cup,” he said. “At the end of the day, a lot of good teams. And us too.
“I think we’re an elite team, probably the best team in the league.”
Tampa, which beat Toronto in 7 video games last spring, won the Cup in 2020 and 2021 prior to likewise making the 2022 last, while the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins set NHL records for wins and points this season.
Asked to explain, Samsonov doubled down.
“Because we have a nice group,” he said. “We have the best doctors, best therapists, best workout coaches, we have the best coaches.
“We have the best players.”
The Leafs will quickly get a possibility to support those words.
MURRAY PROGRESSING
Keefe said Murray is back skating after getting hurt April 2 versus the Detroit Red Wings.
Joseph Woll, the Leafs’ third-string choice, was on the ice on Saturday.
SCHENN’S SECOND SHOT
Luke Schenn is eagerly anticipating lastly getting a taste of playoff hockey in Toronto.
The 33-year-old defenceman began his profession with the Leafs prior to getting sold 2012.
Schenn, who bet 7 companies in the interim, won 2 Cups with Tampa prior to Vancouver delivered him to Toronto this season.
“You’d be lying if you said you haven’t thought about it,” he said of what playoff success in hockey’s greatest market may appear like on the ground.
“But then in saying that, there are 16 teams out there right now all thinking the same thing.”
This report by The Canadian Press was very first released April 15, 2023.
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Follow @JClipperton_CP on Twitter.
Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
