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Washington Capitals: Top 10 Goaltenders In Team History

By Dave Stevenson

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Washington Capitals Top Ten Goaltenders: #8

Goaltender. Capitals. Pat Riggin. 8. player. 19. Four seasons (1982-1985)

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

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