Capitals Showdown: Kolzig vs. Holtby

Kolzig finally got back into the NHL for a game in 1992-93, and gradually built up his career from there. In 1993-94, he suited up for seven games; in 1994-95, he played 14; and in 1995-96, he played 18. By the end of the 1997-98 campaign, he was the starting goalie, playing 64 regular-season contests. On top of that, the Capitals fought their way through the 1998 Playoffs and made it to the Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite stellar play from Kolzig, the Red Wings won their second Cup in a row.

During his NHL career, Kolzig won the Vezina Trophy for the 1999-00 campaign, the King Clancy Memorial Trophy (2005-06) and the NHL Foundation Player Award (2000-01). He also suited up for two NHL All-Star Games (1998 and 2000).

By the time Kolzig finished his career, he was the Capitals’ franchise leader in wins, games played, and shutouts. He posted the following results during this time with the organization:

For many years, Kolzig was considered the greatest goaltender in franchise history. Then came Holtby.

Holtby Grabs the Starter Reins

McPhee tried multiple replacements to fill the void after Kolzig left D.C. He tried Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth, who only got the Capitals so far before he found Holtby.

Holtby debuted for the Capitals during the 2010-11 season. He played in 14 games and posted a record of 10-2-2. His GAA was 1.79, while his SV% was .934. He also had two shutouts. His workload gradually increased, and his game got more and more impressive. He went from playing in 36 games in 2012-13 to 48 in 2013-14, and then 73 in 2014-15, establishing himself as their go-to netminder. His regular-season career for the Capitals included the following numbers:

The main difference between the two goalies is that Holtby was a big factor in the Capitals winning their first championship. Kolzig helped Washiting reach the 1998 Cup Final, but they came out of that series on the losing end. Holtby helped defeat the Vegas Golden Knights in five games, with solid saves, including robbing former Golden Knights winger Alex Tuch in Game 2.

Holtby finished the 2018 Playoffs with a record of 16-7. He had a .922 SV%, a GAA of 2.16, and two shutouts. Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson, TJ Oshie, and Evgeny Kuznetsov were all huge contributors to the team’s Cup win. However, Holtby was the backbone who provided defensive relief when called upon. Had he not been on top of his game, the Capitals would not have won the Cup.

Holtby’s other awards include winning the Vezina Trophy in 2015-16 and the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2016-17.

Very Close Between Both Goalies

Kolzig and Holtby rank first and second in franchise wins. They also have the most games played for the Capitals, Kolzig leading with 711 games, while Holtby played 468 games. They are tied for the franchise lead in shutouts, with 35 each, and they both reached the Cup Final with the Capitals. The only difference here, as major as it is, is that Holtby won a championship. Otherwise, they are even to an extent.

Who is the better goalie? The title must belong to Holtby. Kolzig leads the Capitals in wins, but he also played hundreds more games for Washington than Holtby. If Holtby had played in 711 games instead of 468, it’s possible he would be the clear favorite for the best goalie in the organization’s history. Kolzig will always be a household name in D.C., but what Holtby was able to do in the amount of time he did it gives him the edge.