After posting shutout in NHL debut, Zach Fucale has been sent back to the minors

After scratching and clawing for years for his chance at an NHL starts, Zach Fucale stopped all 21 shots he faced against the Detroit Red Wings in his NHL debut Thursday night. Now, he's headed back to the minors.

"The Washington Capitals assigned goaltender Zach Fucale to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL)," said the team in a news release.

"Fucale, 26, became the first goaltender in franchise history to record a shutout in his debut, stopping all 21 shots he faced against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday."

It appears Vitek Vanecek, who's been suffering from an undisclosed injury for a few days, is ready to get back in the lineup.

Despite the demotion, Fucale should be more than happy with his first game in the NHL. Since being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2nd round in 2013, he's worked his butt off in order to live out his dream of one day playing in the big league. Hopefully he'll get another shot soon.

Related: ZACH FUCALE'S AWESOME POST-GAME INTERVIEW AFTER GETTING SHUTOUT IN NHL DEBUT AT 26

CAPS SHOWER ZACH FUCALE IN THE DRESSING ROOM AFTER HE POSTS SHUTOUT IN HIS NHL DEBUT

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