Washington Capitals: Top 5 prospects to get excited for

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SUNRISE, FL – JUNE 26: Ilya Samsonov poses for a portrait after being selected 22nd overall by the Washington Capitals during Round One of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /

#2 Ilya Samsonov

A lot of Caps and Bears fans are excited to see Ilya Samsonov have a solid second season in Hershey and perhaps get recalled to make his NHL debut this upcoming season. There’s no telling what the future of the goaltending is in Washington but Samsonov will be with the Caps or elsewhere as a regular NHL netminder much sooner rather than later.

The 2015 first round pick knows he has to improve from his 20-14-2 record with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage. The difference on the rinks in Russia compared to North America is the size. North American rinks are much smaller and the game moves faster. There’s more action in front of you and less reaction time to make a save.

HERSHEY, PA – NOVEMBER 28: Hershey Bears goalie Ilya Samsonov (1) faces a shooter in the corner during the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Hershey Bears on November 28, 2018 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Samsonov is in Arlington taking part in the informal skates with other Capitals players and prospects. He hopes to be in this area more frequently in the foreseeable future. Eyes will be on him in Washington, Hershey and Russia and there will be some buzz once he finally gets the call-up to make his first NHL start.

How many starts Samsonov gets in the NHL this upcoming season remains to be seen but he’ll look to lead the Hershey Bears back to the Calder Cup playoffs and beyond.

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