Caps

Semyon Varlamov (February 11, 2011 - Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images North America)

I came across this article on NHL.com and I think it’s a good follow up on my post about Braden Holtby and the Capitals.  I agree that Washington is pretty secure in net with any of their three goalies (Braden Holtby, Michal Neuvirth, and Semyon Varlamov) playing in the playoffs.  It is actually the first time that Washington has had 3 goalies with 10 wins each, Neuvirth has the most with 24.  And I think the Caps are going to go with him to start the playoffs since he’s had a solid year and has won back to back Calder Cups in the AHL.  As I said in the Holtby post I think Varlamov will be the next one to go in if Neuvy can’t handle the playoffs.  As you’ll read in the article the players on the Caps aren’t worried who’s in net for them; each goalie gives the Caps a chance to win.

Michal Neuvirth ( March 2, 2011 - Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images North America)

Braden Holtby ( November 21, 2010 - Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

The next few days are going to have short posts due to the fact that I am tied down with a ton of work this week….

Hershey to DC

Braden Holtby (November 21, 2010 - Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Braden Holtby is making some noise for the Caps over the past two weeks.  His second time up in the NHL is going much better than his first stint when the Devils, who couldn't steal a win, scored 5 on Holtby in a 5-0 loss for him.  Maybe it’s his intense pregame routine

or his stick handling ability that has turned his game around....

All I know is this guy is good. Do to some unfortunate injuries to Varly and Neuvy he "Capitalized" on this opportunity...terrible joke I know...  Holtby was the NHL's first star of the week last week, earning his first shutout and going 4-0-0 with a 1.05 GAA, and will be forcing George McPhee to make a move sometime soon. There's 3 valuable assets in goal in Washington...and Mr. Boudreau is going to have a tough decision to make come playoff time on which goalie to start....I think he should keep with the hot hand in Holtby and let him play.  He has earned the starting job for now.  If he keeps it up start him in the playoffs...otherwise if Semyon Varlamov is healthy enough to play he's ended up being the go to guy in the playoffs for the caps so I'd go with him...and Michal Neuvirth is not even a bad option either....

I'd like to see Braden Holtby with the Caps full time next year.  He has a lot to offer and a long career ahead of him.  One thing I definitely know is there is no way the Caps 3 goalies will not be in the NHL next season.