35 – Number of times in his career that new Caps netminder Jaroslav Halak has faced more than 33 shots in a regular season game. Over those 35 games, he’s posted a 26-5-4 record with a 2.28 goals against average, a .950 save percentage and four shutouts, remarkably yielding more than three goals just once.
Why is 33 shots-against significant? Because the Caps have given up 33.4 shots per game this season, and have allowed more than 33 a whopping 34 times… so Halak had best be ready to see a lot of rubber.
For what it’s worth, Braden Holtby has faced more than 33 shots 23 times, and has posted a 13-9-1/2.68/.931 line.
Oh, and we didn’t include Halak’s post-season numbers here… but we’re all too familiar with what he is capable of when facing a high shot volume in the post-season.