Through three NHL playoff games, Braden Holtby has been every bit the All-World netminder the Washington Capitals have needed him to be. Fortunately for Holtby and thanks to the stifling defensive play of the guys in front of him, he really hasn't had to do all that much. Despite facing 93 shots through those three games against the Philadelphia Flyers, Holtby's workload has been relatively light, the saves he's been asked to make mostly mundane.
And while the Capitals are playing so well, seem to have so thoroughly frustrated the Flyers and stuck that look of inevitability on the Philly player's faces, could probably even finish out the series without Holtby if need-be, there's nothing more terrifying for an NHL team's Stanley Cup hopes than an injury to their starting netminder.
Unfortunately for the Caps, that's exactly what happened to Holtby on Tuesday.
Holtby apparently collided with a teammate during Washington's practice and was favoring his left leg as a result. While he tried to take a few more shots and remain on the ice, he ultimately left in visible "discomfort."
Holtby would not return. And things didn't get better after Caps practice wrapped up.
Braden Holtby's equipment was already in his locker and he's not in the locker room for media availability
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) April 19, 2016
It's early, of course, and we've only heard of the initial collision, no further word from the franchise. But for the Capitals, if Holtby misses any time, it could be disastrous.
UPDATE: Trotz said "I don't anticipate him not playing," when asked about Holtby's status, and Holtby was apparently seen smiling in the Caps lockerroom later on.
Crisis averted.
Yes, the Caps are playing extremely well right now after Barry Trotz took the training wheels off. They have blown three of the four doors off the Flyers' beat up sedan and are backing up the tow truck to take it off to the scrap yard.
Really, even if they are forced to hold Holtby out for game four on Wednesday night, the Caps are still more likely to win than not. It's not just that the Flyers haven't been able to figure out Holtby, it's that they haven't been able to create consistent pressure or consistently get pucks through to the net.
Trotz could probably put on the mask and make a go of it in game four if need-be the way things are going.
But a Holtby injury would cripple the Caps' chances of a deep postseason run, especially with the Pittsburgh Penguins or New York Rangers next on the docket.
We'll update you as more information becomes available.
