Columbus Blue Jackets to Face Backup Philipp Grubauer in Game One
The Columbus Blue Jackets will not have to face Vezina trophy winning goalie in game one of the Washington Capitals series.
Today the Barry Trotz announced that the Washington Capitals will be going with Philipp Grubauer in game one. That means the Columbus Blue Jackets will face a backup goaltender over a Vezina trophy winner.
Not to say that this is your normal backup. Grubauer has been on fire recently winning seven of his last 10 starts. He started over regular starter Braden Holtby in 11 of the Capitals final 16 games.
Coach Barry Trotz made the announcement today following the Capitals practice stating,
"“I just think that Grubi deserves the opportunity. Trust me, it wasn’t an easy decision.”"
Hotlby has been a playoff stud for the Capitals starting in 59 of the last 60 Capitals playoff appearances. The bench will be an unfamiliar spot for him and you wonder how he will play if he is called into service in game two or off the bench during a game after having his crease taken from him.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Jackets have had decent success playing against Grubauer. That success has been in a small sample size, but success nonetheless. Grubauer has never beat the Jackets in his three appearances including two starts which he was chased from early in the second period. He has allowed five goals on 59 shots in his time facing the Blue Jackets.
It is worth noting though that in his last outing against the Columbus Blue Jackets in late February of this year, Grubauer was impressive. He came on in relief of Holtby who had been torched for four goals in the first period and shut out the Jackets for 38 minutes. The game was out of hand but he still stopped 18 shots.
Coach John Tortorella downplayed the news stating “It doesn’t change how we go about our business”. But lets be honest. If given the choice of playing against Grubauer or Holtby, you chose the backup over the Vezina winning goalie every time.
Looking at this series a month ago you would have thought that a goalie crisis in the playoffs would have been with Sergei Bobrovsky and his playoff performance. Now, it appears as though those tables have turned.
Next: CBJ vs Caps Goalie Comparison
At minimum this puts a ton of pressure on Grubauer and rattles Holtby’s confidence. A crisis of confidence in net could be the determining factor in who gets out of the first round.