Ilya Samsonov can’t stop, won’t stop winning. On Monday night, the Russian netminder won his 13th game in his 15 start, extending his Capitals’ franchise record for wins to begin a career.
Samsonov made 23 saves in the 2-0 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes to record his first NHL shutout. At the final buzzer, Nicklas Backstrom collected the game puck and gave it to Samsonov.
According to Natural Stat Trick, the Hurricanes generated 2.4 expected goals, but Samsonov stopped ’em all. Here is the map of shot locations, with Carolina’s at left.
Samsonov made several big stops in the game, including this sensational glove save on Jordan Martinook in the first period.
Not on Sammy’s ⌚ pic.twitter.com/8iiC692HXU
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) January 14, 2020
Later in the game, Samsonov reached behind his body with his stick to grab this loose puck.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2020
Here are the full game highlights.
All the highlights from Sammy's first NHL shutout 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/FfbLoPeguP
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2020
Samsonov, 22, is putting together an incredible rookie season that may by year’s end garner Calder Trophy attention. Way to go, kid.
First of many shutouts for SAMMY!
And the @Nationals helmet#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/hliVqA8g2c
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2020
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Canes
Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington
