Washington Capitals backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer arrived in Cologne over the weekend to represent his home country of Germany in the 2017 World Championship.
In the team’s final preliminary round game against Latvia, Germany started Grubauer days after Thomas Greiss did some awful things on the internet. Greiss, who is currently injured, liked a social media post comparing Hillary Clinton to Adolf Hitler.
Grubauer was spectacular in the win, making 27 saves in Germany’s 4-3 shootout victory. The clutch W pushes Germany into the quarterfinals where they will Canada on Thursday.
Grubauer’s best save of the game was likely the best of the tournament.
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In the middle of the second period, Latvian captain Kaspars Daugavins chipped a rebound towards the back of the net, which may have been going wide. Grubauer, in complete desperation, reached out with his stick while sitting on his rump.
Grubauer knocked the puck away with the blade of his twig. This is incredible hand-eye coordination.
Grubauer also made an unbelievable glove save in the last second of overtime.
Galvins another close call but we are going to a shootout! pic.twitter.com/fkOrQD2fQT
— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) May 16, 2017
In the shootout, Grubauer stopped all three shots he faced. Frederik Tiffels scored the sudden death goal, giving Germany the win in front of its home crowd.
Germany goes through to the 1/4 finals. pic.twitter.com/lfknuJMCQ0
— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) May 16, 2017
Germany’s celebration was wild.
This is Germany, celebrating together. #IIHFWorlds @DEB_eV pic.twitter.com/jHkv7gzbao
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 16, 2017
WTG, Grubi.
Hi. pic.twitter.com/SMvRCyYpoR
— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) May 13, 2017
Additional reporting Magnus Cadelin.
