Goaltender Braden Holtby Set to Return for Game 3
Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby is set to return to the lineup tomorrow night for Game 3 of the Capitals’ series against the New York Islanders, after missing Game 2 due to illness. Philipp Grubauer was recalled from the Hershey Bears (AHL) in Holtby’s absence, and led the Capitals to a 4-3 win over the Islanders in his playoff debut, tying the series at 1-1.
Capitals goalie Braden Holtby ready to return for Game 3 http://t.co/f3xj4fWFt2 #NHL pic.twitter.com/cPmRZQ3Obc
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) April 18, 2015
Head coach Barry Trotz had not yet named a starter for Game 3 on Sunday, but says that Holtby looked fine during practice in New York. Despite Grubauer’s solid performance, it should be comforting for the Caps to have Holtby back between the pipes.
Through 73 games this season, the 25-year-old put up 41 victories to go with a .923 SV% and a 2.22 GAA. Earlier this month, Last Word On Sports’ very own Tyler Shea named Holtby as one of his candidates to take home the Vezina trophy as the league’s best goaltender. Holtby stopped 23 of 26 shots in the opening contest on Wednesday evening, though suffered the loss as the Capitals were only able to provide one goal of support against Jaroslav Halak.
Mikhail Grabovski Closing in on Return
It is being reported that Islanders center Mikhail Grabovski is getting close to returning from an upper-body injury suffered in February. This past off-season, Grabovski was signed to a four-year deal worth $20 million after a 2013-14 season with the Capitals that saw him score 35 points in 58 games.
It is also being reported that Islanders head coach Jack Capuano has hinted at the possibility of lineup changes for the upcoming third contest, which would make the return of Grabovski a welcome one. Grabovski could replace one of the Islanders’ struggling forwards.
Capuano hinting at lineup changes for Sunday… My guess as to candidates to sit: Lee and Grabner. Both were invisible in Game 2.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) April 18, 2015
Main Photo: February 3; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) stands on the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Verizon Center. Mandatory Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
