Caps goalie Braden Holtby has no idea how long he’ll be with the team. Michal Neuvirth is “nursing a minor injury”, according to the team and was given the day off from practice on Thursday. There was no release saying Holtby’s been officially recalled from AHL Hershey anyway. But you need two bodies at practice.
“Obviously, anytime I’m up here it’s a better chance to show what I have,” Holtby said. “But I’m still trying to get ready for the regular season. Just because it’s up here with the Capitals doesn’t make what I’m working on any different. Same thing going out there in practice to work on and making sure I’m ready for the regular season.”
Washington coach Bruce Boudreau said he expects Neuvirth to practice on Saturday and likely play in the preseason finale against Chicago. That would mean a quick trip back to central Pennsylvania for Holbty, who grew used to that last season. In three stints in the NHL, Holtby was 10-2-2 with a 1.79 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage. That track record should ensure that when he does get the call to fill in this season he won’t simply sit on the bench even if Tomas Vokoun is the clear No. 1 starter.
“I’m still improving. It doesn’t really change much,” Holtby said. “I played a few games last year, but my goal is to be a top goaltender in this league, not just an NHL player. So when it comes to that I’m still working towards that goal no matter how many games I play.”
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