Sheldon Keefe makes excuses for Ilya Samsonov after Game 1

It was more of the same last night, with Ilya Samsonov allowing four before a Trent Frédéric empty-netter sealed the deal.

Just prior to puck drop, Sheldon Keefe told the media that the Leafs season series against the Bruins showed them what doesn't work.

The Leafs failed to apply what they learned throughout the season in Game 1, as it was as sloppy a performance as you might expect from a team who has had trouble with the Bruins in the postseason since 1959.

Part of the problem last night was that the Leafs repeatedly got themselves into trouble with undisciplined and careless penalties.

Another issue was their inability to keep the puck out of the net. Ilya Samsonov was unable to do anything about one of those things, but he certainly didn't do himself any favours when it came to the other.

The 27-year-old netminder made some good saves, but also allowed poor positioning to dictate the outcome of the game on two goals.

Sheldon Keefe was the first to defend his goaltender after the loss, saying that a lack of goal support was a huge problem for the Leafs.

I'm not convinced that Samsonov's play inspired any confidence from the group.

It almost felt like Keefe defended his goalie too much on a night when he wasn't doing well.

We know that Samsonov has confidence issues, and we know that he has confidence issues. A hiatus from the team helped him to reset and re-focus after he struggled at times throughout the season.

He and the Leafs just don't have that luxury in the playoffs. I understand what Keefe was trying to do here.

To boost his self-assurance, he's backing Sammy. I'm not entirely sure it's the right message to send when you need a timely save. Samsonov didn't perform well enough last night. The Leafs need to put the puck in the net, but their goalie also needs to be better.

Samsonov is trying to take a Game 1 loss in stride, even though he lost in the first game. After the game, he told the media that he's completely confident in himself and his teammates' ability to rebound and win this series.

Samsonov's play wasn't the whole story in this one. In both categories, the Bruins power play and penalty kill were better than the Leafs.

On the power play, the Leafs went 0/3 and allowed two goals.

The calls were going Boston's way all night, but there were some careless stick infractions committed by Auston Matthews, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi that contributed to their special teams trouble.

Game 2 is scheduled to take place on Monday evening, with Game 1 taking place on Tuesday evening.

The Leafs should come out with a better game plan, more focus, and more composure after that game.