Ilya Samsonov impresses in return to Chocolate Town
“Probably the best five goals against I’ve ever seen as a coach in 11 years.” That’s how Hershey Bears head coach Spencer Carbery described Ilya Samsonov’s Valentine’s Day afternoon performance against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
It was the first time in nearly a month the 23-year-old netminder suited up for a hockey game after being sidelined with COVID-19.
When Samsonov was diagnosed with COVID-19 last month, he became ill. So ill, he said he struggled to even walk. “When I got sick, it felt a little bit hard (to) breathe and really really tired. You do just seven steps and you feel so bad. Right now, I don’t have any symptoms. I do hard work. Everything is good right now.”
Getting back on the ice for the first time since the diagnosis was a big step in Samsonov’s recovery, but his first period back between the pipes was not easy.
“I thought that first period was the worst 20 minutes I’ve seen over the two years and a month I’ve been here,” said head coach Spencer Carbery postgame. “I felt terrible, and I’ll probably apologize to him later, for Sammy having not played in a month and to be thrown into a situation where he’s facing 15 Grade-A chances.
“I’m surprised he’s not hurt, to be honest with you. I know that sounds a little bit trying to be funny, but he had to make post to post (saves). I’m surprised his groins are alright getting out of that first period.”
Samsonov made 12 saves on 14 shots in the first period, challenging him with an onslaught of chances right out of the gate. “First period a little bit hard, but after I feel much better,” said Samsonov. “Everything is good, but bad result. We will keep working.”
After allowing three goals in the first 23 minutes, the Bears settled down, scoring two goals of their own to tie the game at 3-3. Following third-period goals for both Hershey and Lehigh Valley, the game went to overtime, where a scramble in-front of Samsonov and loose puck allowed the Phantoms’ David Kase to beat the Russian netminder near post for the winner.
“I cannot remember five goals being given up and him making I’m going to guess 20 Grade A saves in the game,” said Carbery.
“I know that doesn’t give him any solace or make him feel any better, and I’m not trying to overstate that, probably the best five goals against goaltender performance I’ve been around as a coach for 11 years and probably as a player.”
Samsonov said he felt ready to go and return to the NHL, but he will first have to discuss the situation with current Washington and former Hershey goaltender coach, Scott Murray. “I am good. I am ready. I feel good today—no breathing (problems). Heart rate is pretty good. I feel normal.”
