Ilya Samsonov injury update: Maple Leafs netminder leaves Game 3 after crash with Luke Schenn

The Maple Leafs’ quest for Lord Stanley may have taken a serious hit on Sunday: Star goaltender Ilya Samsonov left Toronto’s Game 3 clash with Florida after teammate Luke Schenn crashed into him.

Samsonov was forced into action early in the second period, batting away an Anthony Duclair effort. The puck fell right out in front of the net for Panthers ace Carter Verhaegae, who tried to slip a forehand effort past the outstretched goalie.

Schenn sold out for the play, sprawling across the ice in hopes of flicking the puck wayward. But his last-ditch leap was erratic, collecting Samsonov and the net in the process.

Ilya Samsonov is leaving tonight’s game after this tough collision with Luke Schenn#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/BgD0h5Qy2X
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) May 7, 2023

The 26-year old took a serious wallop, staying face down on the ice for some time. He was eventually helped to the locker room, with backup Joseph Woll taking the reins in the cage.

MORE: Breaking down the Maple Leafs goaltenders behind Ilya Samsonov

Ilya Samsonov is headed to the locker room after this collision, with Joseph Woll taking over in net pic.twitter.com/5Q6qS8vEHW
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) May 7, 2023

Prior to the third period, the Maple Leafs confirmed Samsonov would not return to Game 3.

Maple Leafs G Ilya Samsonov will not return to tonight’s game.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) May 8, 2023

Fresh off a breakout 2022-23 campaign in which he set career highs in games started (40), wins (27), goals against average (2.33) and save percentage (.916), Samsonov’s absence could loom large for a Leafs squad already ravaged by injuries.

It’s unclear quite what Samsonov’s injury is. However, general manager Kyle Dubas gestured for third-stringer Matt Murray to make his way down to the bench, per Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

Kyle Dubas has called third-string goalie Matt Murray down from the press box.
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 7, 2023

Samsonov had turned away sight shots a the time of his injury, protecting a 1-0 Maple Leafs lead. Without him, the Maple Leafs faltered, giving up two goals in regulation and one in overtime to fall behind 3-0 in the series.

After the game, head coach Sheldon Keefe said he had no updates on Samsonov’s status. He did praise Woll, however, telling reporters that he believed the second-year shot stopper was “ready” to play big minutes in the postseason.