Columbus Blue Jackets vs Washington Capitals Goalie Comparison
Last year, this would be a straight up comparison of Sergei Bobrovsky vs Braden Holtby. The Columbus Blue Jackets are likely to face more than one goaltender in the first round of this years’ playoffs as a goaltending controversy is seeming to take place in Washington.
The Columbus Blue Jackets will be led into the first round of the playoffs undoubtedly by their uncontested number one goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Meanwhile for Washington, Braden Holtby is still their starting goalie; however Philipp Grubauer is making a case to potentially start a few playoff games if things begin to swing south for the Capitals.
Bobrovsky is coming off of a very strong season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Bob posted a career high in minutes played with 3,912 and a save percentage of .921 which is exactly .001 higher than his career average.
Meanwhile in the nation’s capital, Holtby has had a bit of a down year. His save percentage of .907 is by far the worst of his career as was his goals against average of 2.99. Despite this, Holtby will almost certainly start game one just because of his playoff experience and name.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Typically backups won’t make too big of an impact in the playoffs, however Philipp Grubauer is certainly an exception. His save percentage of .923 and goals against average of 2.35 are undoubtedly better than Holtby’s stats.
Grubauer however has also played over 1,000 less minutes in the season than Holtby. The Columbus Blue Jackets on the other hand, would be much more hesitant to hand the reigns to their backup if Bobrovsky were to struggle as Joonas Korpisalo‘s .897 save percentage is far below standard.
In the playoffs historically, Bobrovsky has been shaky at best. His .887 career playoff save percentage is miles behind Holtby’s .932 and the goals against average favors Holtby by over one and a half goals.
Meanwhile Grubauer has only played in two career playoff games and Korpisalo has never stepped on post-season ice; making it too small of a sample size for either of them.
Related Story: Blue Jackets Almost at Full Health
ADVANTAGE: WASHINGTON
Sergei Bobrovsky is going to be a major key to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ post-season, if he can play with the skill he shows in the regular season annually; it’ll be tough for any team to beat him.
However if he plays like he historically has in the playoffs, then the Capitals will have an easy series. Based on playoff historical performances; and the ability to rely on two quality goaltenders it appears that the Capitals will go into the series with a goaltending advantage, but Bobrovsky can quickly change that.