Washington Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov told the media on Tuesday that “I feel good — much, much better” after missing the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a tweaked nerve, which was in the neck and shoulder area. He has been in the Washington area for six months.

Samsonov said that he went to see the doctors four times per week to get physical and nerves testing during his recovery.

After spending this offseason in Washington, Samsonov said that it is a “little bit [easier]” to communicate with his friends and teammates. “I feel better with the teammates and the coaches,” he told the media.

On going into this season as the undisputed No. 1 goalie for the first time, Samsonov said that “This is an important season for me. I’m ready to start the season.”

When asked about the young Russian goalie movement in the division with 25-year-olds Ilya Sorokin (New York Islanders) and Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers) heading into their first full NHL seasons, Samsonov said “It’s an interesting battle.”

He said that the first couple of days under new head coach Peter Laviolette has been “interesting” after their two-hour practice. “We have a new system. We’ll be better for sure,” Samsonov told the media.

By Harrison Brown