Photo: The Hershey Bears
After suffering an injury in the first period of the Washington Capitals’ game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 1, goaltender Vitek Vanecek has slowly but surely worked his way back to a return to the Caps’ lineup over the subsequent weeks, culminating in his being assigned to the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears on a rehab and conditioning stint earlier today.
Vanecek was given the nod by Bears Head Coach Scott Allen to start against the Utica Comets, and the former second-round pick (39th overall in 2014) stood strong in net in a 3-1 loss.
Vitek Vanecek leads em’ out! This will be his first game since Feb 1, when he was injured in the first period against the Penguins. #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/pLu7PT2nol
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) February 27, 2022
In the first period, Vanecek made five stops on five shots, including a nice flurry of saves halfway through the period.
Nice series of stops by Vitek Vanecek. #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/RtrWkVuLil
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) February 27, 2022
In the second, the Bears and Vanecek faced a daunting situation, finding themselves in a 5-on-3 penalty kill with Nick Isaacson and Beck Malenstyn in the sin bin. Despite high pressure from the Comets’ power play unit, Vanecek, along with some help from his goal-posts, denied Utica from taking the lead.
As he has done in games in the NHL, Vanecek paid his respects to his “best friends” after the whistle.
Post appreciation kiss from Vitek Vanecek during 5-on-3 Bears PK. #Muah #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/897trFt4Kl
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) February 27, 2022
For his efforts, the Chocolatetown faithful serenaded the man known affectionately known as “VV”.
“Vitek” chants return to Hershey. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Wt7fY8qdSx
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) February 27, 2022
Vanecek made 21 stops on 23 shots faced, for a .913 Save Percentage. While he allowed two goals, neither of which fell squarely on his shoulders. Through two periods, he had stopped all 16 shots faced.
The first goal was scored 16 seconds into the third and final period, and was scored by Utica forward Joe Gambardella.
Comets score 16 seconds into third period, lead 1-0. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/BoBTd7EaNs
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) February 27, 2022
The second goal allowed came at the 8:53 mark of the third, from Ryan Schmelzer.
Utica makes it 2-0. Bad break, puck deflects off of Dylan McIlrath’s skate. #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/0diZ7scVAn
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) February 28, 2022
Despite the two goals allowed, Vanecek’s strong play is impressive considering he has been out of game action for nearly a month. With the Capitals in need of consistent goaltending at the NHL level, Vanecek’s performance in his return between the pipes is an encouraging sign that he might be able to improve the team’s fortunes at some point in the near future.
By Michael Fleetwood
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I expect Vitek is recalled in the morning (on his way back to DC tonight) and will backup Sammy tomorrow night.
Good call.
I hear the talking heads on the Pre-game show talk about getting a goaliefor a playoff run. Which og the Goalies, VV or Samsonov, that are the roster would either be sent down or traded? Is Samsonov tired, bored or just need more time both on the ice and in training?