Ilya Samsonov made a career-high 38 saves against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. Sammy’s big night helped push the Washington Capitals to a 4-3 win over their division rival. He was also named first star of the night.
From going to the splits to jumping in the air to block pucks with his face, the Russian netminder was spectacular from start to finish. And with his performance, he set a new NHL record.
Samsonov is the first goaltender in NHL history to win each of his first eight career road games in one season.
Samsonov is the only goaltender in NHL history to win each of his first eight career road games in one season and one of just two goaltenders in NHL history to win each of his first eight career road games (Brent Johnson: Feb. 26, 1999 through Dec. 10, 2000 with St. Louis).
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 4, 2020
Samsonov also tied former Capital and current NBC Sports Washington analyst Brent Johnson who accomplished the feat over multiple seasons.
Ilya Samsonov made 18 first-period saves.
Since being tracked in 1997-98, the most saves in a period on record by a @Capitals goaltender is 26 (Olie Kolzig on Oct. 20, 2005). #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/2snt6MZUxe
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 4, 2020
So far this year, Samsonov is 8-0-0 on the road with a 2.18 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. Overall, the Capitals’ “backup goalie” is 11-1-1 with a 2.36 GAA and .921 SV%.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ #CapsCanes pic.twitter.com/BmBWwhq0da
— Washington ☃️ Capitals (@Capitals) January 4, 2020
What a start to what will hopefully be a very brilliant career.
Game highlights
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Hurricanes
Headline photo: FOX Sports
