Ilya SamsonovG | Leafs

Capitals need a backup goaltenderSeptember 28, 2020 | 07:15 AM

The Washington Capitals will be in need of a backup netminder if Braden Holtby enters free agency, leaving the starting job to Ilya Samsonov. Analysis: Samsonov was great for the Capitals at the start of the season before slumping in the second half. He was not available during the playoffs due to an off-ice injury suffered in Russia during the pause. He should be fine for the start of training camp but will definitely need a backup as he is just in his second year and the NHL will likely have a condensed schedule, necessitating a second goalie. Samsonov was 16-6-2 with a 2.55 GAA and a .913 save percentage. There will be plenty of netminders available via free agency as well as Pheonix Copley who is on the Capitals depth chart as their second goalie once Holtby leaves.