The Toronto Maple Leafs are continuing to prepare for their first round series against Tampa Bay Lighting and according to Ilya Samsonov, the Leafs should advance to the second round for the first time since 2004.
“We all want to win the Stanley Cup. There are a lot of good teams in the playoffs, but I think we’re the best team in the league,” the goaltender told Toronto media Saturday afternoon.
“We have a good group of players, but we can also count on the best coaches, the best therapists and the best doctors. We’re going to take it day by day and one game at a time, which I think are the most important things to be successful. ”
After playing the first three years of his NHL career with the Washington Capitals, Samsonov has done very well in net for the Leafs this season. He had 27 wins in 42 games and posted a career-high .919 save percentage.
“He’s been really solid all season,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said of Samsonov, who is expected to defend the Leafs net in Game 1.
“It hasn’t been a perfect season for him. It’s a great season, but it’s not a perfect season. At times he had to deal with some adversity, he had to pull himself together and reconnect with the things that made him successful. He finished the season strong and that’s good for us. ”
In his fifth season with the Leafs, John Tavares knows his team has a lot of pressure on their shoulders in view of this series against the Lightning, who have appeared in the last three Stanley Cup Finals.
“A lot of work has been done this year to reach the level of play that we have shown,” mentioned the captain. “We are lucky to make the playoffs. The energy and atmosphere around the arena today was pleasant. We are extremely close to the most important time of the year, we are excited to begin. ”
Several changes could occur within the Toronto organization if the Leafs are not able to beat the Lightning. Tavares, however, says that we shouldn’t dwell on all that.
“All we can do is prepare for what lies ahead and the opportunity that is before us,” Tavares said.
“We have incredible supporters and we are an organization with a rich and formidable history. Do not let the pressure outweigh the pleasure; it’s an incredible chance we have to win the Stanley Cup. ”
Series schedule:
Game 1 – Tuesday, April 18, Toronto
Game 2 – Thursday, April 20, Toronto
Game 3 – Saturday, April 22, Tampa Bay
Game 4 – Monday, April 24, Tampa Bay
Game 5 (if necessary) – Wednesday April 26, Toronto
Game 6 (if necessary) – Friday, April 28, Tampa Bay
Game 7 (if necessary) – Sunday April 30, Toronto
