The Washington Capitals 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils Thursday night was a big one that included an Ovechkin hat trick. However, goaltender Ilya Samsonov had a big night too. He has become the 10th rookie goaltender in NHL history to win nine consecutive decisions as well as set a franchise record for most consecutive wins as a rookie.
After recording his first-ever NHL shutout in Monday’s 2-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday’s contest against New Jersey marked Samsonov’s first consecutive set of starts in his career. On December 20, he made his debut against the Devils. Samsonov made 24 saves in the 6-3 win at Prudential Center.
Prior to tonight’s game, the 22-year old earned a win in each of his last eight starts dating back to November 30 versus the Detroit Red Wings, which was also a 5-2 win for Washington and game where Ovechkin netted his first hat trick of the season.
CAPS TODAY: With a win tonight, Ilya Samsonov would set a franchise record for most consecutive wins as a rookie. More info on Samsonov and the Caps at https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/mXPomlTTuK
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 16, 2020
Samsonov’s streak without allowing a goal ended at 135:08 minutes over the course of three games. He stopped 55 consecutive shots.
Ilya Samsonov’s streak without allowing a goal ends at 135:08 minutes over three games. He had stopped 55 consecutive shots.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 17, 2020
The Capitals’ win improved Samonov’s record this season to 13-2-1, a .925 save percentage, and 2.11 goals-against average. He became the 10th rookie goaltender in NHL history to earn wins in 9+ consecutive decisions within a regular season, passing St. Louis Blues’ netminder, Jordan Binnington.
Ilya Samsonov of the @Capitals is the 10th different rookie goaltender in NHL history to earn wins in 9+ consecutive decisions within a regular season. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/SCFccEOuRb
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 17, 2020
Ilya Samsonov has become the 10th rookie goaltender in NHL history to win nine consecutive decisions and the first since Jordan Binnington in 2018-19. Prior to Binnington, the feat hadn’t been accomplished since 1982.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 17,
He also earned the second star in the Capitals’ “Three Stars of the Game”. He faced 34 shots, allowed two goals, and posted a .941 save percentage.
Pretty solid 3 ⭐️’s tonight:
⭐️: @ovi8
⭐️⭐️: Ilya Samsonov
⭐️⭐️⭐️: @backstrom19 pic.twitter.com/DBhLidpQZg— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 17, 2020
By Della Young
Who are these guys? Caps played with more fire than they have in months.
Sammy was lights out — as usual. He’ll be rewarded with a seat on the bench on Saturday
Carl Hagelin was dealing and should have had a hat-trick. Gawd how I despise the goal-killing retro-offsides rule!
Richard Panik has found his game and looks like the two-way excellence he was signed for
I’m always delighted to beat NJD! That franchise has ruined many a great Caps season through the years
Last two games have cooled-down the Coach’s seat — at least in my mind
Praise from Day One!!!! Write this day down. 😁
Power play bench boss remains in the hot seat in my view. Outside of that, agree everyone was game on.
Pingback: Capitals Head To Long Island Before Bye-Week And All-Star Break: Friday Practice News | NoVa Caps
Pingback: Ilya Samsonov Has Hot Hand For Capitals | NoVa Caps