Goaltender Ilya Samsonov returned to practice and was a full participant at the Washington Capitals‘ practice on Wednesday after leaving Tuesday’s morning skate with an apparent upper-body injury. The team reassigned Vitek Vanecek to the AHL’s Hershey Bears on Wednesday, along with defenseman Martin Fehervary, after he was called up to back up Braden Holtby during the Capitals’ 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.
A shooter tutor has replaced Samsonov, who was helped off by trainers and captain Alex Ovechkin, during Tuesday’s morning skate.
With Samsonov out of practice, the Caps have found his fill-in for the time being. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ZBpu5yTCeR
— Chip Brierre (@Chip_Brierre) February 4, 2020
The 22-year old started each of the Capitals’ past two games before Holtby started and made 29 saves against the Kings. Samsonov ranks third in the NHL with a 2.21 goals-against average and ninth with a .923 save percentage in his rookie season. He had won 11 straight games before making 29 saves in the Capitals’ 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday.
A stick from Kempny + signed hat from Garny + signed puck from Dowd = Coolest. Birthday. Ever.
Happy birthday, Darren! pic.twitter.com/VCX1AD9YDZ
— Digital Media Intern (@CapitalsIntern) February 4, 2020
Samsonov told reporters that he is fine and was checked by the doctors. Head coaach Todd Reirden said that he passed concussion protocol and that there are no issues.
Here’s what @KgriggsPhoto caught on video of Samsonov’s close shave. HC Todd Reirden says he took the Ovechkin shot, “to the head.”
Samsonov was taken off as a precaution, get checked by doctors. Vitek Vanacek will be recalled to backup in case Samsonov isn’t cleared #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/FeFhfV2qqf
— Chip Brierre (@Chip_Brierre) February 4, 2020
After forward T.J. Oshie was elevated to the top-line in the final few minutes of Tuesday’s win over the Kings and that proved to be a spark for the team, the Capitals kept him there during Wednesday’s practice. Forward Tom Wilson remained with center Evgeny Kuznetsov and forward Jakub Vrana.
Best Ovi attire winner for today’s @Capitals practice goes to… this guy#ALLCAPS @CapsPup pic.twitter.com/88PhVgOrgU
— Chip Brierre (@Chip_Brierre) February 5, 2020
On Fehervary being reassigned to the Bears, Reirden reiterated that he liked his play last night vs. the Kings and the team would reevaluate the roster on a daily basis.
On Fehervary being reassigned to Hershey, Reirden reiterated that he liked his play last night vs Kings and the team would reevaluate the roster on a daily basis.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) February 5, 2020
The Capitals host the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington).
Head Coach Todd Reirden addresses the media after Wednesday’s practice #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/03xNVb0x9x
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 5, 2020
Capitals Today
CAPS TODAY: Following his first natural hat trick, his quickest three goals of his career and the fourth quickest three goals scored in franchise history, Alex Ovechkin now sits two goals shy of the 700 goal club. More info on Ovechkin and the Caps at https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/SLaICDqksR
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) February 5, 2020
By Harrison Brown
Twenty-eight games to go. Sure would help if the Caps begin to play effectively again. Multiple, miracle last-minute flourishes won’t work in the playoffs. Caps continue to look “stuck in neutral” many nights.
Nineteen days to the NHL Trade Deadline. Wonder what GMBM will do
At the very least bench Jensen and let Fehry play in his place.
the play race is very tight and I see teams looking for guys like TB and NJ…