Peter Laviolette Has No Update on Vitek Vanecek's Status Following Game 1

Laviolette has no update on Vanecek's status following Game 1 originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

The Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins 3-2 in overtime of Game 1 on Saturday, but after the euphoria of the win comes the question of what happens next?

Goalie Vitek Vanecek left Game 1 in the first period with what the team called a lower-body injury and did not return.

Following the game, Washington coach Peter Laviolette did not have any update regarding Vanecek's status.

Goaltending was a question mark for the Capitals heading into the playoffs when it was thought the tandem would be Vanecek and Ilya Samsonov. Samsonov, however, has been on the NHL's COVID-19 absence list and has not played since May 1 leaving the 39-year-old Craig Anderson as the backup.

It was Anderson who was called upon Saturday when Vanecek was injured and he performed admirably in the win with 21 saves.

As for Samsonov, he did come off the COVID list on Saturday. All eyes will be between the pipes for Sunday's practice to see if Samsonov returns to practice for the first time in two weeks and also to see if Vanecek is able to participate or if there is any update on him.

Whether we will learn anything, however, remains to be seen. Laviolette likes to play things very close to the vest in the postseason.

When pressed on the goalie situation following Game 1, Laviolette with the hint of a smile said "We're just getting off the ice here so we'll go in [Sunday] and we'll assess everything and address everything. And then probably give you nothing."

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