Ilya Samsonov Scouting Report
via McKeen?s Hockey 2021-22 Yearbook
One of the strongest parts of Samsonov?s game is his skating speed, which can see him fluidly get across the crease in a single push even from a wider, lower stance. But even though he plays with speed that can keep up with the play in front of him, Samsonov?s inclination to hold himself lower and drop to his knees faster ? even while still in motion ? can burn him when doesn?t slow down to read the play in front of him and wait for puck releases. He can get caught overshooting his marks or dropping too fast before a shot, leaving holes open in his net even when he?s got the speed to compensate for it, which was exacerbated all the more by a nasty bout with Covid-19 last season that made it difficult for the goaltender to walk or breathe.