First NHL Win

Zach Fucale becomes first Capitals goaltender in franchise history to pitch a shutout in NHL debut

It was a long time coming, but Zach Fucale finally got his first start in the NHL. He was literally perfect in his debut game.

Fucale made 21 saves in the Capitals’ 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings. With the clean sheet, Fucale becomes the first Capitals goaltender in franchise history to pitch a shutout in his NHL debut. He’s also, per the Capitals PR, the the seventh goaltender in NHL history aged 26 or older to earn a shutout in their NHL debut.

“I’ve never been speechless,” Fucale said after the game to NBC Sports Washington. “This is one of the greatest moments of my hockey career… What a great defensive game everybody played here.”

(more…)

By Ian Oland 2 years ago

13 Comments

Tom Wilson explains why Vitek Vanecek actually had a shutout in his NHL debut

Vitek Vanecek was tremendous against the Buffalo Sabres, Saturday.

After toiling in the minor leagues for five seasons, Vanecek made his NHL debut on Friday and stopped 30 of 31 shots, earning his first career victory and shaving cream pie to the face. “The dream came true,” said the Czech netminder.

Tom Wilson, however, believes the stats are wrong. After the game, the second-line right wing explained why Vanecek actually had a shutout.

(more…)

By Ian Oland 3 years ago

18 Comments

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

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.

(more…)

By Ian Oland 4 years ago

1 Comment