But what about Ilya Samsonov?
Using those same league average statistics, Ilya Samsonov is below average compared to Adin Hill. That's true both in GAA (2.83) and save percentage (.898). However, it's expected from a backup goaltender who came off a disastrous 2023-24 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs (3.13 GAA, .890 save percentage).
Furthermore, Samsonov has actually played above his level with a goals saved above expected of 3.6 as of Monday. Hill himself has excelled in this category with a number of 8.5. Samsonov has a save percentage of .953 on unblocked shots while Hill sits at .957. But...
Bruce Cassidy does have a case regarding Samsonov, who's allowed nine goals in his last two starts. Another layer to this is he's faced 45 shots combined in both starts, validating Cassidy's point further. Could there be an alternative to the Russian netminder if he falls to the wayside?