Capitals' Zach Fucale Sets NHL Record

Washington Capitals goaltender Zach Fucale has set the NHL record for the longest shutout streak to start a career. It ended at 138:07 of playing time and not even by his own accord. Carl Hagelin accidentally passed the puck into his own while Fucale was on the bench during a delayed penalty against the Minnesota Wild.

Although his fantastic streak ended in such a disappointing way, Fucale has to be feeling ecstatic right now. The 26-year-old goaltender has been trying to fight his way up to the league for almost a decade now, and he's impressing during his first opportunity. In three appearances with Capitals, he now sports a 1-0-1 record, 0.42 goals-against average, and .980 SV%. That's not a bad start at all from a career AHL goalie.

Fucale was initially selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the 36th-overall pick of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Back then, some scouts envisioned him to become a legitimate starting goalie, but that of course has not come to fruition. However, after such dominant play, one has to wonder if Washington could give him more chances from here.

Even if Fucale stays as an AHL goalie for the remainder of his career, this is a major accomplishment that he will never forget. Congrats, Zach!