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Ilya Samsonov makes 25 saves in first NHL win, gets pied in the face by Tom Wilson

By Ian Oland

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October 4, 2019 10:48 pm

Ilya Samsonov won his first game in the NHL on Friday against the New York Islanders. The 22-year-old Russian made 25 saves for the 2-1 victory. Martin Fehervary presented him with the Capitals Hard Hat, which this year is a Nationals batting helmet.

“I feel great. First win in the NHL,” Samsonov said sheepishly afterwards.

Samsonov was asked if he had any nerves during the game. “Just little bit, just little bit nervous.”

Just as he stood unflinching in net, Samsonov then did not bat an eye as Tom Wilson gave him the traditional shaving-cream pie to the face in the middle of his postgame interview.

Samsonov immediately wiped the shaving cream from his face and kept talking.

Video

“Just everybody helping me,” Samsonov said as reporters and players laughed in the background. “Very good game. Yeah.”

Wilson previously pied Jakub Vrana and Tyler Lewington after their first NHL goals, as well as dumping a chocolate smoothie over the head of Madison Bowey.

As for Samsonov, his night began with a pedestrian glove save on a backhand shot 2:41 into the first period.

He was solid and spectacular at times in net.

His most impressive save came on Brock Nelson where he reached behind his body to swipe a gimme goal away.

The only goal Samsonov gave up was a first-period own goal by Radko Gudas.

As the final seconds of the game waned, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin pumped both of his fists into the air. He was the first player to hug Ilya Samsonov after his big win.

A big hug for a big night in goal.

And of course a picture with the milestone puck.

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A first but definitely not a last

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And now some impressive facts.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Islanders

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