The Caps won yesterday, which is not news, because they always win.
What is news is that while it's widely known that the Capitals have one of the NHL's best goalies (Holtby) it is not well known that they also have one of the NHL's best backups.
I heard a crazy stat the other day that the NHL's 30 teams have used like 50-something back-ups so far this year, so stability at this position cannot be overstated.
Philipp Grubauer got his third shutout of the season yesterday when the Capitals blanked the L.A Kings 5-0.
The Kings - especially Jeff Carter - have been hot lately, winning their five previous games. They also put 38 shots on net.
Grubauer improved his record to 10-3-2. He has a .931 Save Percentage and three shutouts. Impressive stats for a back-up.
He now has a a career .924 % and is only 25 years old.
While he it is a huge benefit to the Capitals to know that if Holtby goes down, they will have a competent goalie to take over, Grubauer has got to be thinking of moving on at this point to a team where his career ascension isn't blocked.
His contract is up after this year and I am sure he will be interested in finding a team that will let him be a starter - certainly he's earned it.
One additional consideration: Philip Grabauer is almost certain to be selected in the expansion draft, so it may be wise for the Capitals to consider shopping him prior to the deadline.
However: If I am the Capitals I don't care about getting something in return for Grabauer. I would rather not risk the season being over in the event of a Holtby injury just because I didn't want to miss out on a second-round pick, which is a best-case return, I would guess.
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The win puts the Caps three points up on the Wild for first place in the NHL, and six points on Columbus for first in the East/Metropolitan.
Speaking of which, Metropolitan has to be the dumbest name for a division they could have possibly come up with.
The Caps are off until Tuesday when the Hurricanes come to town.
Washington Capitals Blogger • 
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