After battling through COVID-19 symptoms, Evgeny Kuznetsov said he was just “happy to be alive”.

Meanwhile, Ilya Samsonov, the Capitals’ star 23-year-old goalie, struggled badly through the disease.

In a short meeting with the press, Samsonov talked about his experience through an interpreter.

According to The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir and the Washington Post’s Samantha Pell, Samsonov had several challenging days where he struggled breathing and walking.

Samsonov said via an interpreter that he had trouble breathing and walking while battling COVID-19. He feels much better now, tho. #Caps

— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) February 8, 2021

Ilya Samsonov, who tested positive for the coronavirus on Jan. 19, said, via an interpreter, there were a few days that were challenging for him. Had trouble breathing and walking. Couple days he felt pretty sick.

He said he is at the point now that he is comfortable.

— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) February 8, 2021

Samsonov returned to the ice nearly 30 minutes before practice and was the team’s third goalie during drills.

Samsonov is working with Coach Murray and the other goalies ahead of practice. #Caps pic.twitter.com/wMmXf9zzyN

— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) February 8, 2021

Samsonov’s battle with the deadly disease is yet another reminder to take COVID-19 seriously. These are star athletes in peak condition and this is what it’s doing to their bodies.

Headline photo: Elizabeth Kong/RMNB