Grubauer, 25, posted a 13-6-2 record with three shutouts, a 2.04 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage in 24 games with the Capitals during the 2016-17 season. The 6'1", 182-pound goaltender ranked second in the NHL in goals-against average (2.04) and tied for fourth in save percentage (.926) last season (min. 20 GP). Grubauer became just the 11th goaltender in franchise history to record three or more shutouts in a season and became the first Capitals goaltender other than Braden Holtby to post three or more shutouts in a season since Tomas Vokoun (4) and Michal Neuvirth (3) during the 2011-12 season. The Rosenheim, Germany, native was drafted by Washington in the fourth round, 112th overall, in the 2010 NHL Draft and has posted a 28-21-8 record with three shutouts, a 2.25 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage in 66 career games with the Capitals.
The Capitals captured the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2016-17, an annual award given to the goalkeeper(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it. Last season marked the fewest goals Washington has allowed in an 82-game season in franchise history (182) and the second time the Capitals have won the Jennings Trophy (Al Jensen and Pat Riggin, 1983-84). Washington goaltenders led the NHL in goals-against average (2.14) and shutouts (12) last season and ranked tied for first in save percentage (.922).
Holtby (9) and Grubauer (3) combined to register 12 shutouts last season, marking the most shutouts in a season in Capitals history. Washington is just the fifth team in the last 15 seasons (2001-17) to post 12 or more shutouts in a season and the first to do so since Los Angeles posted 13 shutouts in 2013-14. In addition, the 2016-17 season marked the third time in franchise history two goaltenders have recorded three or more shutouts, joining 1983-84 (Al Jensen: 4, Pat Riggin: 4) and 2011-12 (Tomas Vokoun: 4, Michal Neuvirth: 3). The Capitals recorded four shutouts from Jan. 5 to Jan. 15, marking the first time in franchise history Washington posted four shutouts in a six-game span. In addition, the Capitals did not allow an even-strength goal from Jan. 3 to Jan. 16, a span of 395:42.
