Ilya Samsonov makes nasty comments about Leafs fans after his first win with Vegas

There was no holding back Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov in his post-game interview after his first win, firing heavy shots at the Leafs fan base.

In pursuit of a reliable starting goaltender, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been on, and that is a search that has extended well beyond just a few seasons. While the team continues to weigh its options, one face that is so familiar has found success elsewhere. It appears that former Leafs crease guardian Ilya Samsonov is landing on his feet in his new surroundings as he signals a fresh start in the NHL. This new move with the Vegas Golden Knights seems to be going well so far, and he's doing enough to raise some eyebrows.

Samsonov backstopped his new team to an impressive 3-1 win in his opening game for the Golden Knights against the Anaheim Ducks. It wasn't the win in particular that made this story stand out, but more or less how confident and poised Samsonov was on the ice compared to some of his shaky nights in Toronto. He met reporters afterward, still hyped from the game, praising his new teammates, and embracing the strong support from Vegas fans. But praise it was, he had a subtle jab for his former fanbase in Toronto.

As one might expect, those comments didn't slip under the radar. Social media immediately became a warzone of Vegas fans hyping up their new netminder and Leafs fans offended by what they seemed to perceive as a jab. The Samsonov comments were interpreted as a shot at Toronto's often unflinching fanbase, and that set off a bit of a battle between the two sides. There was some criticism of Leafs fans from the Vegas side, and folks in Toronto fired back, as they're proud of their dedication to the team.

All that being said, was this really necessary? Instead of the success of a player being divisive, this should be an opportunity for Leafs fans to appreciate the growth of Samsonov. His time in Toronto didn't exactly go according to plan, but it seems fairly evident he's doing quite well in Vegas. What a player sometimes needs is just a change of scenario, and rather quicker than many might have thought, Samsonov found a place where he could excel. Perhaps rather than feeling offended, the fans should just celebrate that one of their former players is doing so well in the league.

Hockey is bigger than just one team or one city. Sure, fan rivalries are what really make sports interesting, but a little goodwill never hurt anything or anyone either. The Ilya Samsonov story is one of redemption and reinvention. Rather than harbor any residual bitterness, Leafs fans might find it more palatable to wish him well on his new journey. After all, it's good for the sport that players do well, wherever they may play.

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