Photo by Gregg Forwerck /NHLI via Getty Images
Washington Capitals’ netminder Ilya Samsonov made 30 saves in the Capitals 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. With the victory, Samsonov improved his record to 9-0-1 on the season.
Samsonov stopped 30 of 32 shots faced for .938 game save percentage. He has now won every game he has started this season and is the only goaltender in the NHL this season with at least six starts and zero regulation losses.
32 shots faced.
30 saves.The best from another solid effort by Sammy to improve to 9-0-1 on the season.#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/L6RnHTGndf
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 28, 2021
As for the big picture, Samsonov is finally starting to show why he was a first round draft pick. In 56 career NHL games, Samsonov has a 38-10-4 record and a 24-3-2 record on the road. Since the start of the 2019-20 season, Samsonov’s 24 road wins rank tied for fourth in the NHL and are the most among goaltenders with 32 or fewer road games played.
For the season Samson now has a 2.27 GAA and a .918 save percentage.
The Capitals are now off to the Sunshine State in advance of their rematch with the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The team will hold an optional skate in Florida at noon on Monday.
By Jon Sorensen
If Sammy gets hot, look out. He’s elite-level when he gets in his zone. Top tier.
Really happy to see a goalie emerge as the true 1a. Wasn’t sure it would be Sammy but glad he has grabbed it. Great news for #ALLCAPS!
Sammy went from possible 3rd goalie behind Zach to sky is the limit starter in 2 weeks. I love hockey. I really hope he keeps going. The Caps need a clear #1 for the playoffs.