With the start of October, Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Samsonov was back in goal for Metallurg Magnitogorsk as they faced Lada Togliatti Sunday afternoon.

As for the game, about half way through first period, Magnitka’s superstar, Sergei Mozyakin scored a goal.  Oscar Osala, who had played for the Caps briefly, scored an insurance goal late during third period and that was it.  The final score was 2-0 in favor of Magnitka, as Ilya Samsonov achieved his first shutout of the 2017-2018 season.  He had 28 saves.

This game was his fourth start start in a row.  He has started every game since relieving Vasily Koshechkin in a loss on September 22.  With his 28 saves today, his Save Percentage has now improved to .917.  While it is still worse than his percentage from last year, it’s progress, given the rough start to the season he had.

In his previous two games, he had saved over 95% of the shots he faced, with percentages of .958 against Neftekhimik on September 28 and .952 against Ak Bars.   Today, his percentage was 1.000.   In those three games, he has had 114 saves in 118 shots.

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By Diane Doyle