VGK’s Samsonov solidifies backup goalie role

Players fall around and into the net as Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames at T-Mobile Arena Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.

A gold chain with a medallion depicting the Las Vegas welcome sign hung in Ilya Samsonov’s locker room stall after the Golden Knights’ 3-0 win Sunday against the Calgary Flames.

The chain is awarded to the player who had the best game, as determined by his teammates. The Golden Knights’ freshman goalie earned the honor by making 31 saves for his first shutout with Vegas.

“Everything is good and we just continue to work,” Samsonov said. “We don’t look at the standings; there’s no time. We’ve got a lot of games coming in January. That’s what we need to focus more on right now. Recover and continue to win.”

Posting a 9-3-1 record and a .906 save percentage, Samsonov has added consistency to the Golden Knights’ goaltending tandem with starter Adin Hill.

The past year has made a massive difference for Samsonov, who was nearly out of a job in Toronto to start 2024.

In December 2023, Samsonov allowed 21 goals over five games and had a .862 save percentage, which was the worst in the NHL. That New Year’s Day, the Maple Leafs placed him on waivers to send him down to the American Hockey League.

He eventually returned to the Maple Leafs in January 2024 and earned the starting job back. But when the offseason rolled around, Vegas was in the market for a backup to Hill after Logan Thompson requested a trade and left for the Washington Capitals.

The Golden Knights picked up Samsonov via free agency on a one-year, $1.8 million contract.

Many labeled the signing as a “show-me contract,” looking for Samsonov to prove himself as a good fit with Hill.

There was pressure on Samsonov when he arrived in Las Vegas. But he says he feels like he’s in a better place with the Golden Knights.

“Everything is good,” Samsonov said. “I just continue to work when it comes to my game and try to enjoy everything.”

Everyone, from coach Bruce Cassidy to Hill, has praised Samsonov’s work ethic. Whether he’s satisfied with his play or not, he puts his head down and grinds, they said.

Samsonov is “the first guy on the ice, and he’s battling hard and competing with his teammates,” Hill said. “He just kind of puts his head down and puts some work boots on.”

Hill and Samsonov said they have learned from each other’s styles of goaltending and push one another.

“There’s certain little technique things that we see,” Hill said. “We don’t play the position the exact same way.”

Samsonov said he and Hill “talk a lot, and we try to support each other. He’s such a nice guy.”

Samsonov’s work has paid off. Even when he’s in situations where he has just hours to prepare for a start, he has met the challenge.

Cassidy said Samsonov had taken advantage of his starts. Hill has been playing well, meaning Samsonov has been getting fewer starts.

Samsonov was 4-0-0 in December and allowed just five goals.

He won against one of the top teams in the NHL, the Minnesota Wild, on Dec. 15 and has three Pacific Division wins over the past month.

“He goes the extra mile to prepare,” Cassidy said.

The Golden Knights took a chance on Samsonov, and it’s paid off in significant ways.

There was some commotion when Thompson left about how the backup role would be filled. But Samsonov has more than calmed any nerves.

“I’m just continuing to work every day,” he said.