Samsonov explains injury scare in warmup

During warmups in New Jersey last night, the Leafs got a bit of a scare as Ilya Samsonov went down awkwardly after taking a William Nylander shot and appeared to be favouring his leg. However, he shook it off and ended up playing a spectacular game for the Leafs, particulary in the first period when the Devils controlled play and outshot the Leafs 15-5.

Samsonov was asked about his scare following the game to which he gave an answer that every guy understands. Samsonov said that Nylander hit him in "the balls" but was fine after a few minutes catching his breath. Although a very uncomfortable feeling, it did something to Samsonov to engage him in the game from puck drop as he made to spectacular saves in the opening minutes on the Devils to prevent the Leafs from giving up an early lead.

Samsonov has now won 4 of his last 5 starts and is 23-8-2 with a 2.41GAA and .915 save percentage. Barring a poor performance or injury to Matt Murray on Saturday, Samsonov is now slated to be off until at least Monday as the Leafs have just 1 game remaining this week.