Today I wanted to take a surface level look into the Capitals goaltending situation. While nothing is guaranteed, the Capitals should hold on for a playoff spot. If the Capitals do in fact make the playoffs, goaltending will certainly be one of, if not the biggest X-factor to determine just how far this team can go.
The average age of Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek combined is just under 25 years old, this is good for the youngest average age for any goalie tandem in the NHL. Samsonov and Vanecek entered the season have played the least amount of NHL games of any goalie tandem in the league. In addition, neither goalie has ever started an NHL playoff game. I think the term experience or in the Capitals case, lack thereof, is fair to highlight as a make-or-break factor for this team’s Stanley Cup aspirations.
Both Samsonov Vanecek have had seen their respective highs and lows this season. Samsonov got the ‘rona near the beginning of the season. It took him awhile to get back in the lineup and eventually he return to form. He admitted that his COVID recovery was pretty difficult and at time he had difficulty breathing at times. Vanecek filled in while Samsonov was gone and had a breakout first month of the season. He earned NHL Rookie of the Month award for January. As the season has progressed, Samsonov has regained his form and Vanecek has regressed slightly. To be clear, neither goalie is playing particularly great at the moment.
Here are the head-to-head stats for the two players:
Record
Samsonov: 11-3-1
Vanecek: 17-9-3
SV%
Samsonov: .898 Ranked 52nd among goalies with 10+ GP
Vanecek: .908- Ranked 35th among goalies with 10+ GP
GAA%
Samsonov: 2.84 – Ranked 38th among goalies with 10+ GP
Vanecek: 2.77 – Ranked 30th among goalies with 10+ GP
SV% (EV)
Samsonov: .900
Vanecek: .918
Games allowing 4+ goals
Samsonov: 6 games in 16 GP (.375)
Vanecek: 9 games in 31 GP (.290)
SV% Last 30 days
Samsonov: .890 – Ranks 41st out of 45 goalies (minimum of 5 GP)
Vanecek: .899 – Ranks 38th out of 45 goalies (minimum of 5 GP)
GAA Last 30 days
Samsonov: 3.14 Ranks 38th out of 45 goalies (minimum of 5 GP)
Vanecek: 3.06 - Ranks 37th out of 45 goalies (minimum of 5 GP)
My takeaways:
Well, it is clear both goalies do not fare well when compared to the rest of the league. Looking at pure goalie stats, you would generally not expect a team with these kinds of numbers to be in the mix for a division title or even president’s trophy. Yet here we are. How are the Capitals in the mix? Well they lead the league in GF at 161 GF and have the 2nd best power play at 27.6%. In addition, they have the 7th best PK in the league. Yea…that will do it.
I will be honest, I started writing this article with a little bit of bias towards Samsonov. He has subjectively looked like the better goalie as of late, but the numbers actually say otherwise. In fact, Vanecek holds the advantage over Samsonov in nearly every statistical catergory. With that being said, I think when push comes to shove, I would still roll with Samsonov. He has showed glimpses of why the Capitals drafted him in the first round. The defense hasn't played great in front of either goalie but I think once that settles in a bit, I want Samsonov in net.
If the Capitals were in a must-win game OR needed to pick a goalie to start in the playoffs, who would you choose?
Washington Capitals Blogger • 
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