Capitals' Samsonov, Kuznetsov return from COVID-19 protocols

Washington Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov (30). (Nick Wass/AP)

The Washington Capitals will start a third different goaltender in their playoff series against the Boston Bruins when Ilya Samsonov steps into the crease Wednesday night.

Samsonov had been out of the lineup since May 1 due to COVID-19 protocols. Vitek Vanecek started Game 1 but suffered a lower-body injury and was replaced by Craig Anderson, who also started Game 2.

A fourth goaltender, Pheonix Copley will back Samsonov up in Game 3 as Anderson rests for maintenance.

Centre Evgeny Kuznetsov will also return to the lineup after missing eight games due to COVID-19 protocols. He will replace centre Lars Eller, who has a lower-body injury, in the lineup. Daniel Carr will replace Daniel Sprong on the third line.

The Capitals and Bruins split both games in Washington and now the series pivots to Boston. The puck drops in Game 3 at 6:30 p.m. ET/ 3:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet.

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