(Caps Outsider)
Philipp Grubauer hasn’t had an easy job this season. Backing up Braden Holtby always means he’s second fiddle, but the Caps haven’t been giving him much support in his starts, as he’s gone 0-5-1 up until beating Tampa Bay, 3-1, on Friday.
“I was laughing, here we go again,” Grubauer said after surrendering the first goal of the game to the Lightning. The Caps have faltered while he’s in net, showing fatigue, or at least an inability to score goals or play defense, while Grubauer plays the second of back-to-backs on the road. In fact, Friday’s game against Tampa Bay was only his second home start of the season. He made 25 of 26 saves, only allowing one in on a Lightning power play.
Though Friday was the day before his 26th birthday, he did win his birthday start last year. “Same as last year, my parents were here. So I’m really proud to give them a good game and get the win for the boys. Feels good to get the two points. They should’ve come more often.”
Grubauer makes $1.5 million and is a restricted free agent this offseason. While his stats this season, so far, aren’t an indicator of what he’s ultimately worth, he’s at least back on track for now.
Great to have the Grubauer's in the building tonight for the W! #CapsBolts #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/gDfioyZC79
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 25, 2017
