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Washington Capitals: Top 5 players to watch this preseason

By Michael Marzzacco

ARLINGTON, VA - JUNE 29: Capitals prospect goalie Ilya Samsonov during camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex on June 29, 2016 in Arlington, Va. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VA - JUNE 29: Capitals prospect goalie Ilya Samsonov during camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex on June 29, 2016 in Arlington, Va. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 18: Goalie Ilya Samsonov #30 of the Washington Capitals tends the net against the Boston Bruins during the third period of a preseason NHL game at Capital One Arena on September 18, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 18: Goalie Ilya Samsonov #30 of the Washington Capitals tends the net against the Boston Bruins during the third period of a preseason NHL game at Capital One Arena on September 18, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

#1 Ilya Samsonov

Ilya Samsonov embarks on one of his biggest seasons in North America. All eyes are on him as he could very well be next year’s starting netminder in Washington should the team not be able to afford Braden Holtby. 

Samsonov dressed for Monday’s game but was a backup to Pheonix Copley, who played the whole game. It’s possible the backup goaltender spot could be up for grabs with the tight salary cap situation the Capitals are facing.

SUNRISE, FL – JUNE 26: Ilya Samsonov puts on a jersey after being selected 22nd 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 Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL – JUNE 26: Ilya Samsonov puts on a jersey after being selected 22nd 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 Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /

If Samsonov wants that spot though, he’ll not only have to beat Copley but also his own Hershey teammate Vitek Vanecek, who’s a good netminder himself.

Last season Samsonov struggled and lost his first three games, but rebounded nicely while splitting goaltending duties with Vanecek. He finished his first season with the AHL’s Hershey Bears with a record of 20-14-2 with 2.70 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage in 37 games.

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The future is now for Samsonov and even though it’s preseason it’ll be fun watching him get a look or two soon.

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