"F*ck this s*it": Ilya Samsonov recalls 9-3 loss to Sabres after 34-save shutout win

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Mar 31, 2024 15:07 GMT

Ilya Samsonov's journey has taken a dramatic shift from a moment of doubt to a triumphant return. The last time Samsonov walked out of KeyBank Center in Buffalo, it was a somber occasion tainted by a 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, a performance that left him questioning his future in the NHL.

However, fast forward to the present, and Samsonov finds himself in a starkly different situation, basking in the glow of a dominant 34-save shutout win against the very same team.

Reflecting on his previous outing in Buffalo, Samsonov's demeanor is one of resilience and determination. Despite the bitter memories of that game, he now wears a grin, showcasing a newfound confidence earned through perseverance and hard work.

Samsonov reflected on the earlier defeat (The Athletic):

"I don’t remember when I was here last time, Nine goals? F*ck this sh*t."

Indeed, Ilya Samsonov's transformation has been evident in his performance on the ice. With calmness and technical skills, he exudes all the qualities of a top-tier goaltender.

His return to Buffalo showcased a masterclass in goaltending, as he thwarted 34 shots to secure a shutout victory.

John Tavares and Sheldon Keefe laud Ilya Samsonov's stellar Performance

Leafs captain John Tavares was quick to acknowledge Ilya Samsonov's stellar performance, labeling him as the team's best player on the night (via The Athletic):

“No doubt, (Samsonov) was our best player."

Amid concerns over injuries and playoff readiness, Ilya Samsonov's flawless showing is reassuring for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Coach Sheldon Keefe expressed his satisfaction with Samsonov's technical skills, noting that it was perhaps his best game of the season in terms of movement and control. Keefe said (via The Athletic):

"I talked to (Leafs goaltending coach) Curtis Sanford after the game tonight. Nevermind the big saves, Curtis Sanford (Leafs goaltending coach) just thought technically that this was (Samsonov’s) best game of the season.

"With how he moved in the net and how he was in control and in position to make those big saves because of how he was managing the game and his depth — all of those things that are so important that I don’t know much about, but when they show me and talk to me, it makes sense."

As the regular season is wrapping up and playoffs are coming closer, it's becoming more obvious who's going to be the Leafs' main goalie. There were doubts about this in February and early March, but Samsonov's killer game in Buffalo just made his claim for that starting spot even stronger.

With that win, Ilya Samsonov silenced his haters and proved he's a beast in the net for the Leafs.