Washington Capitals: Top 10 Goaltenders In Team History

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals have been in existence for 40 seasons. Since the 1974-1975 season, there have been some great and entertaining players who have worn a Washington Capitals sweater.

After taking a look at the defensemen yesterday, goaltenders will be the second part of our series of the best players in Washington Capitals history by position.

To be eligible for selection, players have to meet our qualifications. Here are the criteria that helped decide which Washington Capitals goaltenders were eligible and where they will fit on this list.

• At least 100 games played with the Washington Capitals
• Only games with the Washington Capitals count as far as stats.
• Post-career honors and awards (such as a Hockey Hall of Fame induction or retired jersey number) count

Using those qualifications and criteria, 11 Washington Capitals goaltenders qualified for the list. We’ll round it out to an even ten. To make this list, we had to look not just the stats compiled by each player.

Things such as time with the Washington Capitals and memories of that player will come into play. In some cases, two or more players are very similar as far as stats are concerned. In those cases, we’ll tend to go with those who are more loved by Washington Capitals fans (aka us).

It’s always fun to try to guess which players will make the list and where they will be placed on the list. We all have our personal favorites. This is our personal top ten.

Without further ado, here are our top ten Washington Capitals goaltenders in franchise history. We hope you all enjoy it!

Next: Number 10: Hungry Like The Wolfe

Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #9

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Yup, that’s right. Someone’s parents had the audacity to name their kid Pete Peeters. Peeters is number nine on our list of Washington Capitals goaltenders.

As a youngster I instantly took a liking to goaltender Peter Peeters. Initially it had to be the name that attracted me took him, but his play quickly made him a long time favorite. Peeters is the the son of Dutch immigrants, and grew up as a competitive swimmer while tending to the nets on the side. In fact, it was not until he was 18 years old that he committed to major junior hockey, joining a weak Medicine Hat Tigers squad for two years starting in 1975. Peeters is the the son of Dutch immigrants, and grew up as a competitive swimmer while tending to the nets on the side. In fact, it was not until he was 18 years old that he committed to major junior hockey, joining a weak Medicine Hat Tigers squad for two years starting in 1975. After a slow start to the 1985-86 season, Peeters was traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for goaltender Pat Riggin. Obviously the Caps were counting on Peeters’ track record of great performances when placed in a new environment, though that never really panned out in Washington. Instead Peeters supplied the Caps with solid but not spectacular goaltending for the next 5 seasons. But he was never able to find any playoff success with the Capitals either. – Bruins Legends

Pete Peeters played in 139 games for the Washington Capitals. Let’s see how his stats match up to the others.

• 139 games played (eighth out of 11)
• 88.7% save percentage (seventh out of 11)
• 3.06 GAA (eighth out of 11)
• Seven shutouts (tied for sixth out of 11)

Pete Peeters wasn’t a terrible goalie for the Washington Capitals. He definitely had his moments. Sadly, he couldn’t get any consistency. You’ve probably seen Peeters before whether you know it or not – he allowed Mario Lemieux‘s first NHL goal while Peeters was with the Bruins.

Next: Number Eight: The Man Who Was Traded For Peeters

Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #8

Number eight on our list of the best Washington Capitals goaltenders of all time is someone who was actually traded for Peeters: Pat Riggin.

From the day he arrived in Washington, Riggin experienced a roller coaster career. In the fall of 1983, he was the number-one stopper — although his stopping fell short in supply as his club went 0-7 to start the season. Al Jensen took over the starting spot and played so well that he was chosen to play in the All-Star game. After the extravaganza, however, he hurt his back while lifting weights. Riggin stepped back in and was stellar in his performance. Between the two netminders, they secured the Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals against in the league. During the next campaign, Riggin remained number-one, winning a personal-high 28 games. But then he fell ill just before the post season. As a result, Jensen stepped in to carry the playoff load against the Islanders. In 1985-86, Riggin got off to a slow start. Jensen was again given the nod while Riggin was traded to the Boston Bruins for Pete Peeters. Riggin initially performed well in Beantown, but his edge quickly slipped. By 1987 he was toiling in the AHL with the Moncton Golden Flames for a brief time before resurfacing with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His success with the Pens was limited, however. After playing parts of two seasons, he was sent to play for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the IHL where he retired in 1988. – Legends of Hockey

Pat Riggin played 143 games with the Capitals. Here’s how he stacks up to the other goaltenders who qualified.

• 143 games (sixth out of 11)
• 88.4% save percentage (ninth out of 11)
• 3.06 GAA (eighth out of 11)
• Six shutouts (eighth out of 11)

Riggin actually came close to winning the Vezina Trophy twice with the Capitals. He finished third in 1983-1984 and fourth in 1984-1985. He also won the Jennings Trophy, given to the goalie with the lowest GAA, in the 1983-1984 season. Sadly, injuries ensured that he couldn’t repeat his success in those two seasons.

Next: Number Seven: 25 or The-o-more

Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #7

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Number seven on our list of the best Washington Capitals goaltenders in team history is 2010 Masterton Award winner Jose Theodore.

On July 1, 2008, Theodore signed a two year nine million dollar contract with the Washington Capitals. During the 2009-10 season, Theodore pledged money to the Saves for Kids program, which benefits the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s National Medical Center, for each save, win and shutout he recorded. When the season was over he was able to present the program with a cheque worth $35,000. For his efforts he was awarded the Masterton Trophy for his perseverance and dedication to hockey. – Legends of Hockey

Theodore played 104 games with the Capitals. Here’s how he stacks up against the other goaltenders who qualified:

• 104 games played (11th out of 11)
• 90.5% save percentage (fourth out of 11)
• 2.84 GAA (fifth out of 11)
• Three shutouts (ninth out of 11)

Theodore signed with the Capitals with the hopes of taking them to the Stanley Cup and mentoring young goalies Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth. He might not have won the Stanley Cup in DC, but at least he was able to be a good mentor to Varlamov and Neuvirth.

Next: Number Six: Michal Row Your Boat Ashore

Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #6

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Number six on our list of best Washington Capitals goaltenders in team history is Michal Neuvirth. Neuvirth primarily served as a backup goalie, but he was a very good one.

After helping the Bears to the back to back Calder Cups in 2010, Neuvirth was named the starting goaltender of the Capitals’ season opener on October 8 against Atlanta, in which he made 27 saves in a 4–2 loss. Neuvirth would go on to beat out Semyon Varlamov for the starting position for the entire season. Despite a solid season as Washington’s starter and an adequate playoff performance, Washington would demote Neuvirth to backup goaltender status to make way for Tomáš Vokoun, trading away incumbent backup Varlamov to the Colorado Avalanche in the process. Vokoun’s run as Washington’s starter only lasted one season, however, and he was injured before the playoffs began. Unfortunately for Neuvirth, he himself was also injured, allowing third goaltender Braden Holtby to start Game 1 of the first round series against the Boston Bruins. Even though Neuvirth managed to return to health in time for Game 3, Holtby went on to start for the duration of Washington’s playoff run in 2012. In the off-season, Vokoun left to take the backup goaltender job with the Pittsburgh Penguins. New Capitals head coach Adam Oates then confirmed Holtby as the new starting goaltender of the Washington Capitals during training camp, but failed to rule out Neuvirth reclaiming the starters’ role if he were to outplay Holtby. – Wikipedia

Neuvirth played in 134 games for the Capitals. Here’s how his stats stack up when compared to the other goaltenders.

• 134 games played (sixth out of 11)
• 91.0% save percentage (second out of 11)
• 2.70 GAA (third out of 11)
• Seven shutouts (tied for sixth out of 11)

Neuvirth was never really the starter for the Capitals, which is why he’s not ranked higher. However, he was extremely good as a backup and he was always fun to root for. Wherever Neuvirth goes, I’ll be a fan of him.

Next: Number 5: You Can Call Me Al

Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #5

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Coming in at number five on our list of the best Washington Capitals goaltenders in team history is Al Jensen.

On July 23, 1981, Jensen’s career shifted dramatically when he was acquired by the Washington Capitals. He played 26 games in 1981-82 as the backup to Mike Palmateer posting an 8-8-4 record on an improving Caps club. Over the next two years, he and Pat Riggin formed one of the top goaltending tandems in the game and shared the William M. Jennings trophy in 1984. In 1984-85, he was hampered by an injury and only took part in 14 games. Jensen returned in 1985-86 to post a 28-9-3 mark and help Washington set a franchise record with 107 points. The next year his fortunes changed as the Capitals went with Bob Mason in goal and traded Jensen to the L.A. Kings for veteran defenceman Garry Galley. He retired in 1988 after playing 20 games for the New Haven Nighthawks of the AHL. – Washington Capitals

Al Jensen played in 173 games for the Capitals. Here’s how he stacks up against the other goaltenders who qualified.

• 173 games (third out of 11)
• 88.4% save percentage (eight out of 11)
• 3.26 GAA (ninth out of 11)
• Eight shutouts (fifth out of 11)

Jensen finished the top ten in Vezina Trophy voting twice with the Washington Capitals. In 1983-1984, Jensen finished third in the Vezina voting and shared the Jennings Trophy with Riggin. In 1985-1986, he finished ninth. Jensen was a great goalie for the Capitals.

Next: Number Four: Fourth Best Goalie To Ever DON A Capitals Sweater

Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #4

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Coming it at number four on our list of the best Washington Capitals goaltenders in team history is the godfather between the pies, Don Beaupre.

Beaupre was traded to the Washington Capitals early that season and played a handful of games for them before being sent down to the AHL. His career was rejuvenated in 1989-90 when he won 23 games in 48 appearances and helped the Caps reach the semi-finals for the first time in franchise history. Beaupre continued to play well and benefit from Washington’s solid defense in the early 1990s. He led the NHL with five shutouts in 1990-91 then won a career-high 29 games the next year. By the mid-’90s, the Capitals were looking to Olaf Kolzig to lead them in goal. Beaupre was shipped to the Ottawa Senators where he saw plenty of rubber in 71 games over two seasons. – Washington Capitals

Don Beaupre played in 269 games for the Capitals. Here’s how he compares to the other goaltenders who qualified.

• 269 games played (second out of 11)
• 88.7% save percentage (sixth out of 11)
• 3.05 GAA (seventh out of 11)
• 12 shutouts (fourth out of 11)

Beaupre had a successful career with the Caps. In the 1990-1991 season, he led the league in shutouts with five and finished in sixth place in the Vezina Trophy voting. Beaupre also had the daunting job of keeping the spot warm for a future Washington Capitals legend. All in all, Beaupre is one of the most beloved players to ever wear a Capitals sweater.

Next: Number Three: SMOKIN'!

Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #3

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Coming in at number three on our list of the best Washington Capitals goaltenders of all time is Jim Carey. No, not the actor.

Jim Carey’s father was an all-American high school football player and his brother was in the Baltimore Orioles system, and when Jim was young he played forward, not goal. When he got to the NHL he went undefeated in his first seven games, in 1994-95 with Washington, the team that had drafted him 32nd overall in 1992. He played 71 games the following year, won the Vezina Trophy, and set innumerable team records. The next fall he was backup to Mike Richter on Team USA’s entry in the 1996 World Cup. But he was traded to Boston in a monster deal the following season. Carey signed as a free agent with St. Louis on March 1, 1999 and played four games for the Blues. – Washington Capitals

Jim Carey played in 139 games for the Caps. Here’s how he compares to the other goaltenders who qualified.

• 139 games played (seventh out of 11)
• 90.4% save percentage (fifth out of 11)
• 2.37 GAA (first out of 11)
• 14 shutouts (third out of 11)

Carey didn’t play that long for the Washington Capitals. However, his stats are extremely impressive. He is also one of the only two Capitals goaltenders ever to win the Vezina Trophy. His decent from stardom was almost as quick as his accent to stardom.

Even in his departure, Carey helped the Capitals. He was involved in the trade that got the Caps Adam Oates. Oates would help the Capitals get to the Stanley Cup finals. Capitals fans will never forget the rise and fall of Jim Carey.

Next: Number Two: The Holtbeast

Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #2

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Coming in at number two on our list of the best Washington Capitals goaltenders in team history is current Capitals netminder Braden Holtby.

Holtby made his NHL debut on November 5, 2010 against the Boston Bruins at the Verizon Center. After replacing Michal Neuvirth with ten minutes remaining and the game tied 3–3, Holtby stopped four Bruins shots as the Capitals scored two goals to give him the win. Holtby made his first NHL start two days later against the Philadelphia Flyers, a game the Capitals won 3–2 in overtime. Holtby recorded his first NHL shutout on March 9, 2011, stopping 22 shots in a 5–0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. After posting a 4–0–0 record, a 1.05 GAA and a .965 save percentage, Holtby was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week for the week ending March 13, 2011. On March 27, 2011, Holtby was assigned to Hershey, despite a 10–2–2 record in 14 starts. He returned on the last game of the 2012 season due to starter Tomas Vokoun‘s and backup Michal Neuvirth’s injuries. He started Game 1 of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins, saving 29 of 30 in a 1-0 overtime loss. In Game 2, Holtby stopped 43 of 44 shots in a 2-1 2OT win to tie the series 1-1. The Washington Capitals head coach Dale Hunter decided to start Holtby for the next game, even though Neuvirth and Vokoun would be available in the playoffs, by saying “Holtby’s our goalie.” Holtby went on to aid the Capitals in upsetting the second seeded Bruins, stopping all but one of the shots he faced in a Game 7 to beat the Bruins 2-1 in overtime. He continued his sensational play against the top-seeded New York Rangers, splitting two road games in New York and stopping all shots he faced until late in a triple OT game that saw the Capitals fall 2-1. Holtby continued his great goaltending by beating the Rangers in Game 4 to tie the series 2-2. He wasn’t as great in Game 5 after allowing the game tying goal with 6.6 seconds left in the game and then giving up the losing goal in overtime. Holtby stated after the game “I didn’t see a thing”. After that heartbreaking loss, Holtby made 30 saves in Game 6 against the Rangers, with the Capitals winning 2-1, forcing Game 7. On Saturday, May 12, Braden started in his second career game 7. One minute thirty-two seconds (1:32) into the game, Brad Richards of the Rangers blasted a slap shot past Holtby, making the score an early 1-0. Holtby was able to shake it off and play a solid game after, making 29 saves. Unfortunately, the Capitals were unable to beat Henrik Lundqvist in the final period, losing game 7 of the 2012 ECSF. On February 25, 2013 Holtby agreed to a two-year, $3.7 million contract extension with the Washington Capitals. – Wikipedia

Holtby has played in 169 games for the Capitals. Here’s how he compares to the other goaltenders who qualified.

• 169 games played (fourth out of 11)
• 92.1% save percentage (first out of 11)
• 2.43 GAA (second out of 11)
• 19 shutouts (second out of 11)

Holtby has the opportunity to be the greatest goaltender to ever play for the Washington Capitals.

Next: Number One: Olie The Goalie

Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #1

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Coming in at number one on our list of the best Washington Capitals goaltender in team history is none other than Olaf Kolzig. 

Kölzig played his first NHL game in the 1989–90 NHL season, only to be sent down to the minors for a few years. In 1995–96, he was brought up to be a backup for Jim Carey and remained so when the Capitals acquired Bill Ranford from the Boston Bruins during 1996–97. Early in the next season, Ranford suffered an injury and Kölzig was became the starter, at least temporarily. Kölzig played well for the rest of the season, winning a total of 33 games and achieving a 2.20 goals against average. He remained the starting goaltender for the Capitals until the 2008 trading deadline, and holds virtually every franchise record at his position. In the 1997–98 season Kölzig led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup Finals. In the playoffs, he became only the tenth goalie in NHL history to record four shutouts in one postseason. The Caps were swept in the Final by the defending champion Detroit Red Wings. In 2000, he won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goalie after going 41–20–11 with a 2.24 GAA and five shutouts. Kölzig also has the distinction of being one of four goaltenders to play a scoreless period during an NHL All-Star Game, having done so at the 2000 All-Star Game. He also played in the 1998 All-Star Game, in which he made 14 saves on 17 shots. On February 11, 2006, Kölzig signed a two-year, $10.9 million extension with the Capitals. In February 2007, in the midst of a 19–19–5 season, Kölzig tore his medial collateral ligament (MCL). Prior to this injury, Kölzig had missed only 18 games and never more than four in a row. In February 2008, the Capitals acquired goalie Cristobal Huet, who gradually took over Kölzig’s position as starting goaltender. Despite this, on March 12, Kölzig became the twenty-third goalie to win 300 games. The Capitals qualified for the playoffs, and Huet started every game in their first round series against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Capitals lost in seven games. A few weeks after their elimination, Kölzig announced he did not intend to return to the team. At the time, he was the last remaining Capital to have worn the original red, white and blue uniform and the blue jersey from 1995. On July 1, 2008, Kölzig became an unrestricted free agent and signed a $1.5 million, 1-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He served as the back-up goalie to Mike Smith. In Kolzig’s return to D.C. he was loudly cheered and a video in tribute to his time with the Caps was shown. On January 28, 2009, it was announced that Kölzig would miss the rest of the 2008–09 season due to a ruptured biceps tendon in his left arm. He was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with Jamie Heward, Andy Rogers and a 4th round pick on March 4, 2009 as part of a trade deadline deal for Richard Petiot. As he was at that time suffering from an injury that would see him out for the rest of the 2008–09 season, the end of which would also see his contract expire, his acquisition from Tampa Bay was largely seen as an effort by Toronto General Manager Brian Burke to “buy” the 4th round pick by taking on Kölzig’s deadweight salary. On September 23, 2009, Kölzig announced his retirement from the NHL. Later that year, Kölzig was named to the ECHL Hall of Fame at the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game in Ontario, California. The Capitals have not issued Kölzig’s number 37 since his retirement. – Wikipedia

Kolzig played in 711 games for the Caps. Here’s how he stacks up compared to the other goaltenders who qualified.

• 711 games played (first out of 11)
• 90.6% save percentage (third out of 11)
• 2.70 GAA (fourth out of 11)
• 35 shutouts (first out of 11)

Kolzig is arguably the most loved player in Capitals history. While his number is not retired, there’s a good chance that he could become the first Washington Capitals goaltender to get his number retired. It’s basically retired anyway since nobody has worn his 37 since he retired.

Next: Washington Capitals Top 10 Wings Of All-Time

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