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Capitals: Top 3 key players to watch against Penguins

By Michael Marzzacco

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 31: Washington Capitals Defenceman Dmitry Orlov (9) celebrates a goal with teammates during third period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 31, 2020, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 31: Washington Capitals Defenceman Dmitry Orlov (9) celebrates a goal with teammates during third period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 31, 2020, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 31: Washington Capitals Goalie Ilya Samsonov (30) during warm-up before National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 31, 2020, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 31: Washington Capitals Goalie Ilya Samsonov (30) during warm-up before National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 31, 2020, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Ilya Samsonov

Ilya Samsonov will get the start in goal for the second straight game which is the right choice for Todd Reirden to go into this Super Bowl matchup. Samsonov made 25 saves on the 28 shots he faced on Friday to win his 11th in a row and continue his case for the Calder Trophy. With each win, it’s becoming more of a possibility.

Reirden told Samantha Pell of The Washington Post (subscription required) about the importance of the Braden Holtby-Ilya Samsonov tandom:

"“I think right now we need both goalies. There are a lot of games coming up here after the all-star break, there always is, and we went Braden for two games in a row and now we will go with Ilya for two games in a row and see how that goes. I have a plan in mind, but this is one that we address every day and we are fortunate to have a young, up-and-coming goaltender that has performed very well and a Stanley Cup, Vezina winner as well.”"

Samsonov carries a 16-2-1 record after Friday’s win with a 2.12 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage. It’ll be interesting seeing Samsonov in goal against a team like the Penguins.

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