Having played strongly since returning from the COVID-19 protocol list, Washington Capitals second-year goaltender Ilya Samsonov looked to continue his strong play against the New York Islanders on April 1. That start, however, was cut short, after Samsonov left the ice following a collision with teammate T.J. Oshie.

Going around to play the puck to the side of his net within the first 30 seconds of the first period, Samsonov was blind to Oshie coming in behind him. Oshie’s upper-chest area collided with Samsonov’s head, sending the former first-round pick to the ice.

Samsonov remained on the ice for several moments before talking with Head Athletic Trainer Jason Serbus and exiting to the locker room. Vitek Vanecek came in to relieve Samsonov. With 3:04 left in the first period, Samsonov returned to play and allowed a goal just over a minute later, after a turnover by the Capitals’ defense.