Ilya Samsonov admits to mental struggles during tough stretch

The Toronto Maple Leafs were thoroughly embarrassed by the Buffalo Sabres during last night’s game at KeyBank Center. Buffalo scored nine goals as part of a 9-3 rout, giving the Leafs their worst loss of the season.

But the particular focus right now is on the struggles of goaltender Ilya Samsonov, who sports a goals against average of nearly four so far this season and hasn't given the Leafs any indication that he's their long term solution between the pipes. 

And right now, Samsonov can only admit that he's struggling within his own mind as his problems on the ice persist.

“It’s tough right now,” Samsonov said. “I need to figure out everything in my head. That’s the first one. It’s not about technique … just in the head. I need to figure it out.”

“I want to try to get change as quick as I can, but sometimes in life it’s not working like that. I will keep fighting.”

Samsonov did enjoy a positive season last year with the Leafs, helping them to win a postseason round for the first time since 2004. But if his struggles on the ice continue, the Leafs are going to have to look into other options in net if they have any intention of making a deep playoff run in 2024. 

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