Wrote about this last week. But with the news today that Semyon Varlamov (lower-body injury) will definitely be held out for 7-to-10 days it is clear that Michal Neuvirth has a chance to cement himself as the No. 1 goalie heading into the postseason.
Timing is everything. Neuvirth had the position to himself most of the first six weeks of the season, but it was always going to be about who was playing well in March and early April. He has played five games in a row and with a busy stretch upcoming will continue to see most of the playing time. Bruce Boudreau did say Braden Holtby (knee) is healthy enough to get a game in soon – but whether that means Sunday against Florida or Wednesday against Edmonton I’m not sure.
Neuvirth has had three strong games in a row since a 6-0 loss against the Rangers on Feb. 25. He stopped 82 of 87 shots against the Islanders (twice) and Blues. Neuvirth also set the franchise record for most wins by a rookie goalie. The previous mark belonged to Bob Mason (20) in 1986-87. Neuvirth knew he was poised to break that one before the St. Louis game on Thursday.
“But I didn’t really think about it during the game at all,” Neuvirth said. “After we won I was so happy to get the record. That means a lot to me. But I have bigger goals.”
Neuvirth isn’t afraid of a heavy workload. He was the workhorse for Hershey, after all, en route to two straight Calder Cup championships. But the Caps don’t want to burn him out, either. No question the improved blueline has taken some of the pressure off all three young goalies. Washington was 18th last season in fewest shots allowed per game (30.9) and has jumped to ninth in 2010-11 (29.0).
“It is big difference when you’re not facing a lot of odd-man rushes and breakaways,” Neuvirth said. “You’re just stopping shots from the outside. That makes it a lot easier on my game. I’m pretty happy with the way I’ve been playing right now.”
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