#1 Ilya Samsonov
Finally, the one that everyone was waiting for. You knew I was going to save the best one for last. It it going to come down to the two goaltenders Vitek Vanecek and Ilya Samsonov. Both have done well so far this season and will continue to do so. But Vanecek’s early dominance and consistency will help him narrowly edge out Samsonov for the number one goaltender job with the Capitals.
But that doesn’t mean Samsonov will have a bad year or will do anything bad off the ice. So far, knock on wood, so good. No COVID lists yet, no ATV accidents and no tardiness at team functions. In fact, he along with everyone else participated in Halloween.
Let’s take a look at the early numbers. Samsonov is 3-0-1 following a shutout over the Arizona Coyotes on Friday night. It was the fourth shutout of his career. He has a 2.43 goals against average and a .904 save percentage.
Vanecek meanwhile on the other hand is 2-0-2 with a 2.26 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. Those early numbers might be enough if he keeps this up to narrowly edge out Samsonov which would kind of be an upset. Those are the five players that won’t be back next season.