The Washington Capitals have placed goaltender Philipp Grubauer on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. The injury occurred during the Capitals’ 4-3 overtime win against the New York Islanders on Saturday, December 8th.
Grubauer, who has been the Capitals’ starting goaltender for much of the season, has been a key part of the team’s success. He has posted a 9-5-3 record with a 2.25 goals against average and a .927 save percentage in 17 games this season.
The Capitals have recalled goaltender Vitek Vanecek from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League to take Grubauer’s place on the roster. Vanecek has posted a 7-4-2 record with a 2.63 goals against average and a .912 save percentage in 13 games with the Bears this season.
The Capitals have not yet announced how long Grubauer will be out with the injury, but it is expected to be at least a few weeks. The team will likely rely on Vanecek and backup goaltender Pheonix Copley to fill the void until Grubauer is able to return.
Grubauer’s injury is a significant blow to the Capitals, who are currently in first place in the Metropolitan Division. The team will need to find a way to stay competitive in his absence if they are to remain atop the division standings.
It remains to be seen how long Grubauer will be out with his injury, but it is clear that his absence will be felt by the Capitals. The team will need to find a way to stay competitive without their starting goaltender if they are to remain at the top of the division standings.
