The Capitals future in net, which was already bright, appears to be getting brighter.
2015 first-round pick Ilya Samsonov is currently dominating the KHL right now and having his best stretch as a pro.
On Tuesday, the 19-year-old was named the KHL’s Rookie Of The Week after stopping 69 of 71 shots in consecutive victories against Avangard (3-1 win) and Medvescak (6-1 win).
Thanks to 19-year-old Samsonov Metallurg Mg is 7-0 at home. #KHLStats pic.twitter.com/o23ODNUdQJ
— KHL (@khl_eng) September 26, 2016
During his last three starts, Samsonov has stopped 91 of 95 shots for a 95.7 save percentage. That includes this miracle save against Medvescak.
We have a small question for @MetallurgMgn's Ilya Samsonov:
ARE YOU SERIOUS?? pic.twitter.com/6VrHkkwlQZ
— KHL (@khl_eng) September 23, 2016
Samsonov, who earlier this month had a stint on Metallurg Magnitogorsk’s injured reserve with a lower body injury, has returned and taken a bulk of the starts from starter Vasily Koshechkin.
It’s a small sample size, but in five games played this season, Samsonov is undefeated, posting a 4-0 record, a .937 save percentage, and a 1.79 GAA.
Over the summer, Samsonov worked with Caps Goaltending Coach Mitch Korn for the first time when he attended development camp in June. Since then, Samsonov has worked on his English with Barry Trotz’s son via weekly sessions on Skype.
Hopefully, this news will make my nightmares of Braden Holtby leaving Washington to sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins end.
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