Change In Goal: Samsonov To Start Game 3 For Capitals vs. Panthers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the series tied 1-1 and headed back to home ice, the Washington Capitals are switching up their game plan against the Florida Panthers. Ilya Samsonov will get the nod for Game 3 on Saturday.

Head coach Peter Laviolette announced the decision before Saturday’s matinee. Vitek Vanecek had started Games 1 and 2.

The decision comes after a rough go-of-it for Vitek Vanecek in Game 2, where he surrendered five goals on 18 shots, including two less than two minutes apart near the end of the second period. Samsonov relieved Vanecek for the third period, stopping all 17 shots faced. The Capitals, meanwhile, fell 5-1.

This story is still developing and being updated in real time.