Ilya Samsonov reveals new secret weapon to combat struggles

It's hasn't been the kind of season that Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov anticipated after returning for another kick of the can after a mostly successful 1st campaign in 2022-23 in which he was able to lead the team to their first postseason round victory since 2004. 

He was waived and sent down to the AHL, which he's using as motivation to get himself back to the form that made him among the NHL's better goalies last season.

"You're sad, yeah?" he said. "But it's a nice signal for your brain and your body: Man, you need to wake up and get back on track and work as hard as you can.'

And during today's practice, he revealed a new secret weapon that he hopes will result in a different story in this latest stint with the Leafs - a brand new mask. 

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