Anderson likely to start for Capitals in Game 2 against Bruins

ARLINGTON, Va. --Craig Anderson is likely to start for the Washington Capitals against the Boston Bruins in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup First Round on Monday (7:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS, NBCSWA, NESN).

Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said Sunday he had no update on the severity of the lower-body injury Vitek Vanecek sustained in the first period of a 3-2 overtime win in Game 1 of the best-of-7 series Saturday, other than that the rookie goalie is day to day.
Though goalie Ilya Samsonov participated in an optional practice after being removed from NHL COVID-19 protocol Saturday, Laviolette said Samsonov probably would need some practice time before he's ready to at least dress as the backup.
So that leaves Anderson as the probable starter for Game 2 after he saved 21 of 22 shots in relief in Game 1.
"We're really happy with the way Anderson has played for us in the games that he has played," Laviolette said. "You're talking about an experienced goaltender who has been there and done that, has excellent numbers in the regular season and the postseason, and when called upon with our organization has answered the bell."
RELATED: [Complete Bruins vs. Capitals series coverage]
Monday could be Anderson's first Stanley Cup Playoff start since a 3-2 double-overtime loss in Game 7 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Final for the Ottawa Senators against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Anderson spent most of this season on Washington's taxi squad while Vanecek and Samsonov split the goaltending duties. He played four games during the regular season, including two starts, going 2-1-0 with a 2.13 goals-against average and .915 save percentage.
Approaching his 40th birthday Friday, Anderson was the 15th-oldest goalie in NHL history to play a playoff game. In 47 postseason games (46 starts) during his 18-season NHL career, Anderson is 24-22 with a 2.32 GAA, a .929 save percentage and four shutouts. His save percentage is second in NHL history among goalies with at least 40 playoff games, behind Tim Thomas (.933).
Before Vanecek played 13:10 in his NHL playoff debut prior to his injury, Anderson was the Capitals' only goalie who had played an NHL postseason game.
"I've been here before so I can share my experiences with Vitek and [Samsonov], and to now get the opportunity to live what I've been telling them, it's a great feeling to kind of be involved and be a part of it," Anderson said Saturday. "Obviously we're going to miss [Vanecek] with him coming out like that, but at the same time the guys are all looking to each other to bond together and pull together on this rope and I'm right there with those guys doing everything I possibly can to do my share."

Samsonov hasn't played since making 23 saves in a 3-0 loss to the Penguins on May 1. He was 13-4-1 with a 2.69 GAA, a .902 save percentage and two shutouts in 19 games (18 starts) during the regular season.
Samsonov and center Evgeny Kuznetsov were on the ice Sunday for the first time since entering COVID-19 protocol May 4; Kuznetsov was removed from protocol later in the day but was permitted to participate in some activities during the session prior to his change in status, Laviolette said.
"Kuznetzov still remains not available to us for a few more days," Laviolette said. "However, he is available to start a process of getting back with our group and working out by the rules, so both players join us on the ice for the first time today and we're going to evaluate and see where they're at. I have no timetables. ... They're pushing close to up to two weeks with regard to being on the ice and working out and conditioning.
"We're going to evaluate them the next couple of days and try to get a read on where they're at."
With Samsonov's playing status uncertain,
Pheonix Copley
, who was on Washington's taxi squad and played for Hershey of the American Hockey League (10-4-1, 2.66 GAA, .896 save percentage, two shutouts, 15 games), is the leading candidate to back up Anderson on Monday. The Capitals also have rookie
Zach Fucale
, who was recalled from Hershey on Sunday. The 25-year-old was 9-2-0, led the AHL with a 1.80 GAA and was second with a .932 save percentage in 11 games this season.