Washington Capitals: Top 3 key players to watch against Bruins

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Zdeno Chara, Vitek Vanecek, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

#2 Vitek Vanecek

Vitek Vanecek is only a rookie but he was thrust into a starter’s role when Ilya Samsonov tested positive for COVID-19. He is 5-0-2 in his seven games this season with a 2.78 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. Vanecek is one of two rookie goaltenders in franchise history to remain unbeaten in regulation in their first seven career games joining Jim Carey when he achieved the feat in the 1994-95 season.

Vanecek is also one of nine goaltenders to accomplish this feat since 1967-68 and one of seven to accomplish this feat within one season. Vanecek has stopped 144 of his last 155 shots that he faced over the last three games. That is good for a .929 save percentage.

Vanecek’s .941 save percentage at even strength this season is second among goaltenders with at least six games played, trailing only Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning who has a .944 save percentage. Through Jan. 30th Vanecek ranks tied second in the NHL in wins with five. He’s tied with Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues and Frederik Anderson of the Toronto Maple Leafs while trailing only former Capital and current Colorado Avalanche netminder Philipp Grubuaer by one.

Vanecek will once again be counted on to get the start tonight.

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