Evgeny Kuznetsov Calls Out The Toronto Media For Their Treatment Of Ilya Samsonov
The Toronto media is known for being particularly harsh on Maple Leafs players. This is one of the reasons many players try to avoid playing in the city. Today, Evgeny Kuznetsov referenced this when talking about his close friend and former teammate Ilya Samsonov
Kuznetsov Shows Faith In Samsonov After Slow Start In Toronto
Samsonov's career with the Maple Leafs has been complicated to say the least. At times he's looked like one of the best goaltenders in the league. At other times he was simply not NHL quality. That is exactly what happened earlier this year when the team sent him to the AHL to work on his game. Today, Samsonov's former teammate and friend Evgeny Kuznetsov shared his thoughts on how the media has treated him, showing faith in his countryman.
Kuznetsov on close friend Samsonov:
"You guys been so hard on players, in general, here over time. I'm so happy that he doesn't speak English well so he doesn't understand everything & that's huge for him ... I believe his best games are ahead of him"
These comments come as the Maple Leafs are set to play Kuznetsov's new team in the Carolina Hurricanes.
Samsonov Talks About Facing Old Teammate Kuznetsov
Kuznetsov was not the only one who talked about the matchup tonight. The Leafs goaltender also shared his thoughts on facing the Hurricanes tonight. He specifically noted that he'll do his best to make sure Kuznetsov doesn't get to use his trademark celebration during the game.
Ilya Samsonov on facing close friend Evgeny Kuznetsov:
"I try to give him no chance for the bird (smile) ... Nice opportunity for us, what time you play against your friends. He wants to score on me, I want to make some saves & it will be nice"
Tonight will surely be a test for both clubs as they gear up for the playoffs. Be sure to tune in as it will likely be a highly competitive game with both teams looking to make a statement over quality competition.
POLL |
Do you think the media has been unfairly harsh on Ilya Samsonov? |
Yes | 148 | 68.2 % |
No | 69 | 31.8 % |
List of polls |
|
3 hours ago | By Tom Banks NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun Speculates That The Rangers Have Many More Trades to Make |
|
5 hours ago | By Tom Banks The Reason Behind Auston Matthews' Reaggravated Injury Officially Revealed |
|
6 hours ago | By James Connelly Former Sabre and Buffalo native fires shots at his old team in a recent press conference |
|
7 hours ago | By Tom Banks Quinn Hughes gets brutally honest and admits there is a feud between Elias Pettersson and JT Miller |
|
8 hours ago | By Tom Banks NHL Reporter Issues Shock Prediction About Chris Kreider's Future in New York |
|
9 hours ago | By James Connelly Matt Rempe set to receive a massive suspension for boarding Miro Heiskanen |
|
10 hours ago | By James Connelly Terrible injury news announced for Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs |
|
13 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Leafs' Morgan Reilly Goes After Sabres' Tage Thompson For Vicious Hit On Auston Matthews |
Previously on HouseOfHockey