If you are reading this and happen to be a Toronto Maple Leafs or Washington Capitals fan, you will not be very happy. Toronto goaltender Frederik Andersen and Washington goaltender Ilya Samsonov sound like they are both expected to be out for at least a short period of time with injuries.
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For Andersen, his injury occurred during last nights game against the Florida Panthers after he was involved in a collision with Panthers forward Frankie Vatrano. As a result of the collision, Andersen left the game after the first period and did not return with many suspecting he may have sustained a concussion. However, it is now being reported that Andersen is out with a neck injury. He won't travel to New York with the team and is currently listed as day-to-day.
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Samsonov's injury comes from friendly fire. The 22-year-old Russian phenom was hurt in practice today after taking an Alex Ovechkin shot off the mask. Although nothing has been said yet in terms missing time, the Capitals did call up AHL goaltender Vitek Vanecek in case Samsonov is not available for tonight's game against the L.A. Kings.
Both goalies' injuries are bad news for their respective clubs. Although Andersen has had an up and down year, he has been one of the better goaltenders in the league the past few seasons and has started at least 60 games every season since joining the Leafs. Although his numbers this season aren't spectacular by means, they are far better than backup goaltender Michael Hutchinson's, who the Leafs will now have to roll with for the time being.
Samsonov is a goalie who has gotten a lot of buzz since being selected by the Capitals in the first round of the 2015 draft, and he has not disappointed during his rookie season. After a mediocre season with the Hershey Bears of the AHL last year, Samsonov stuck with the Capitals through training camp this season and has made the most of it. Through 20 starts he is an outstanding 16-3-1 and has put up a sparking 2.21 goals against average and a .923 save percentage. Before this injury, he was appearing to be stealing the net from Braden Holtby who has had his fair share of struggles this season.
For the Leafs, Andersen missing any chunk of time could seriously impact their playoff chances. Even though they are tied with the Florida Panthers in points, they sit outside the playoffs as of today due to the Panthers having two games in hand. Having Hutchison lead the way could be a very taunting task for the Leafs.
On the other hand, Holtby will take over currently for the Capitals. Having a former Stanley Cup and Vezina Trophy winner sounds great, but Holtby has went through some major struggles this season. Although missing the playoffs seems almost impossible, the Capitals have the Penguins just four points behind them for first in the Metropolitan Division and could see that lead slip away if Samsonov is forced to miss significant time.
