Ilya Samsonov

Ilya Samsonov says Braden Holtby’s contract situation is ‘very difficult for him’

Ilya Samsonov recently did a long interview with sport24.ru’s Daria Tuboltseva. The interview was translated by Merdan16 on the Capitals’ Reddit and proofed for correction by RMNB’s Igor Kleyner. The Capitals’ rookie goaltender spoke about his special season in a remarkably low-key way.

“My job is to go out and play hockey,” Samsonov said when asked that he’s beginning to get buzz for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie. “I don’t think about personal prizes.”

But when the conversation turned to Braden Holtby, Samsonov showed both admiration and empathy.

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By Ian Oland 4 days ago

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Evgeny Kuznetsov jokes he may ‘fight’ Ilya Samsonov over video games

On January 15th, Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov joined John “JohnWayne” Casagranda of Caps Gaming to play some NHL 20 and FIFA. There was some good-natured chirping throughout the Twitch stream, as Kuznetsov and Casagranda went head-to-head, with a few interesting insights into the Capitals’ gaming habits, including Kuzy and rookie goaltender Ilya Samsonov’s daily battles on both NHL 20 and FIFA.

Samsonov even mentioned the two played against each other regularly to The Washington Post’s Samantha Pell in November, saying, “He’s constantly losing. He doesn’t have enough experience. He’s playing poorly, to be honest.”

But when Scott Allen caught up with Kuznetsov after the Twitch stream, he denied that it was quite that bad. “We pretty much play every day,” Kuznetsov told Allen. “Last three days, he won one game. We play 10 times. So, suck on that, Sammy.”

However, it might not be as simple a victory as Kuznetsov is making it out to be.

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By Donya Abramo 6 days ago

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Ilya Samsonov becomes first goalie in NHL history to win each of his first nine career road games in one season

Braden Holtby was benched for the third period after giving up four goals on 22 shots. The Holtbeast was replaced in net by rookie goaltender Ilya Samsonov.

“I just felt like it was the right move at the time. That’s something we talked about as a staff and I felt comfortable doing it. I let [Ilya] know as soon as the second period was over that he would be going in,” Capitals head coach Todd Reirden said.

Samsonov and the Capitals responded, scoring five unanswered goals and pulling out a thrilling 6-4 victory over the New York Islanders. Because the Caps ultimately tied the game with Samsonov in net, he became the goalie of record and accomplished some more history in the process.

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By Ian Oland 1 week ago

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‘Let’s just leave it all out there’: ‘Pissed off’ Caps score 5 unanswered goals after Devon Toews’ bird-celly taunt

On January 5, the Washington Capitals overcame a two-goal deficit in the final minute of the third period to beat the San Jose Sharks in overtime. A comeback of this nature was the first in franchise history. 13 days later, the Caps one-upped themselves against the New York Islanders — one of the best shutdown teams in the third period — and former bench boss Barry Trotz.

The Capitals faced a 4-1 deficit after Devon Toews beat Braden Holtby wide open in front of the net with 2:35 left in the second period. The fourth-line forward then added insult to injury, flapping his arms and mocking Evgeny Kuznetsov with the bird celebration.

The complexion of the game changed after that.

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By Ian Oland 1 week ago

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Evgeny Kuznetsov’s priceless reaction after Ilya Samsonov broke his stick in front of him

The Washington Capitals took to MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Friday morning after their 5-2 shellacking of the New Jersey Devils.

The goalies, Braden Holtby and Ilya Samsonov, came out onto the ice 30-45 minutes early to get in extra work. Samsonov, who has been using all CCM gear this season, appeared to be testing out some new goalie equipment from Vaughn.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, in street clothes, came over to the bench to say hi to Samsonov.

And here’s what happened next.

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By Ian Oland 2 weeks ago

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Ilya Samsonov becomes 10th NHL rookie goaltender ever to win 9+ consecutive decisions

Lost in Alex Ovechkin’s legendary night, Ilya Samsonov made more history on Thursday night with the Capitals decisive win over the New Jersey Devils.

Samsonov is now the 10th different rookie goaltender in NHL history to record a win in nine consecutive decisions during the regular season, and only the second active goaltender on the list, alongside the St. Louis Blues’ Jordan Binnington.

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By Donya Abramo 2 weeks ago

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‘He’s earned it’: Ilya Samsonov will make back-to-back starts for the first time in his NHL career

Rookie goaltender Ilya Samsonov will start in goal for the Capitals on Thursday as Washington takes on the New Jersey Devils in a Metropolitan Division clash.

The 22-year-old Russian earned his first career shutout Monday against Carolina, making 23 saves in the Caps 2-0 win.

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By Ian Oland 2 weeks ago

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Ilya Samsonov records first career shutout in 2-0 win over Carolina Hurricanes

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.

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By Ian Oland 2 weeks ago

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Ilya Samsonov to start against Carolina Hurricanes on Monday

Saturday’s miserable defeat at the hands of the New Jersey Devils appears to be having consequences. At practice on Sunday morning, head coach Todd Reirden announced that rookie goalie Ilya Samsonov will start against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday.

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By Peter Hassett 2 weeks ago

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Braden Holtby calls Pekka Rinne’s goalie goal ‘awesome’, has given up trying to score one himself

Braden Holtby was one of many NHL goaltenders who expressed excitement about Pekka Rinne’s goalie goal. The Predators’ netminder became the 12th goalie all-time to score and the first in six years.

While speaking to reporters after practice Friday, Holtby spoke about his own quest to score in an NHL game and revealed he had given up trying to do so.

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By Ian Oland 3 weeks ago

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