This time last year, the Washington Capitals‘ goaltending situation looked worlds different.
The Capitals entered their first-round playoff series against the Columbus Blue Jackets starting Philipp Grubauer in net, with then-coach Barry Trotz believing Grubauer had the hotter glove after Braden Holtby struggled in the final months of the regular season.
Holtby was relegated to No. 2. Pheonix Copley was called up from the minor league Hershey Bears to serve as the No. 3, the emergency guy.
One Stanley Cup run and one unforgettable save in Vegas later, Holtby has reminded the NHL he is a top-flight goalie, Grubauer got a new start with a trade to Colorado and Copley earned himself a mid-year contract extension with a solid year as Holtby’s backup.