Photo: Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Washington Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov became the first goaltender in NHL history to win his first nine road games on Saturday afternoon when he made seven saves in the third period of the team’s 6-4 comeback victory over the New York Islanders.

He also won his tenth straight game overall in the building where he won his NHL debut three and a half months ago.

Samsonov is the only goaltender in NHL history to win each of his first nine career road games in one season and one of just two goaltenders in NHL history to win each of his first eight career road games (Brent Johnson: Feb. 26, 1999 through Jan. 13, 2001 with St. Louis).

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 18, 2020

During his 10-game winning streak, the 22-year old has posted a .931 save percentage, a 1.80 goals-against average, and his first career NHL shutout. He currently leads the league with a 2.06 goals-against average and ranks fifth with a .927 save percentage.

Before taking the ice in the third period against the Islanders, Samsonov recorded a .919 save percentage and a 2.19 goals-against average on the road.

Samsonov has set numerous milestones by rookie goaltenders in Capitals’ franchise history, including becoming the fastest rookie goaltender to win 10 games (he did it in his first 12) and the 10th goaltender in NHL history to win at least nine games in a row.

After goaltender Braden Holtby allowed four goals on 22 shots against the Islanders, was pulled, and has only one win since December 21 which he allowed four goals in, it appears that Samsonov will have plenty of opportunities to reach more milestones and set more records by the season’s end.

By Harrison Brown