Samsonov expected to get start for Maple Leafs tonight vs. Bruins

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetNovember 02, 2023 - 12:56pm

Morgan Rielly, Mitch Marner and Max Domi can't wait for their chance to bounce-back from their lackluster effort last game, and no better way then to take on their bitter rivals and in Boston, where it's a good test for this group.

Ilya Samsonov is expected to get the start Thursday when the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Boston Bruins.

Samsonov, who has admitted to struggling with his confidence after getting off to a slow start this season, is 2-1-0 with a 3.98 goals-against average and .841 save percentage in five appearances.

Joseph Woll, the de facto No. 2 heading into this season, has been challenging Samsonov for the No. 1 role and is 3-2 with a 1.89 GAA and a .942 save percentage in five appearances.

Samsonov said on Oct. 27 that he'll be "fighting" every day to play better, adding, "I know I'm better goalie than this."

The 26-year-old Russian was awarded a one-year deal in arbitration ahead of this season worth $3.55 million.

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