Washington Capitals: Top 5 goalies in team history

#1 Olaf Kolzig

Coming in at number one on our list for number one goalie in team history is none other than Olaf Kolzig aka “Godzilla”. He played in 711 games with the Capitals and had a lifetime 90.6 percent save percentage, a 2.70 goals against average and a team record 35 shutouts. He’s one of the most beloved Caps players of all time and deserves to have his number retired.

In 1995-96, Kolzig got his shot as a backup recall to starter Jim Carey. He became an established starter two seasons later. Kolzig turned his record around in that stretch from 14-36-8 to 33-18-10 with a 2.20 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. He also helped backstop the Caps to their first ever appearance in the Stanley Cup Final that spring.

During that Spring, Kolzig had four shutouts along with a 12-9 record with a 1.93 goals against average and a .941 save percentage. Kolzig had a down season the next year but rebounded the next season winning the Vezina in 1999-00 going 41-20-11 with a 2.24 goals against average and a .917 save percentage with five shutouts.

Olaf Kolzig is easily the top Capitals goalie of all time with Braden Holtby coming in a close second. But I know some people would rather see Holtby as number one. Still it’s a close one and you can’t go wrong with either.