Braden Holtby

Holtby Humbled: Rangers beat Caps 3-1

On April 28, 2012, In Game Recap, Playoffs, By Peter Hassett

Photo credit: Bruce Bennett

The New York Rangers got the breaks they needed to beat the Washington Capitals in Game One. It seems like nothing went right for the Caps.

The first period was scoreless despite the Rangers dominating early and the Caps buzzing late. A little past halfway in, Artem Anisimov converted a wraparound after Mike Green failed to contain him. Jason Chimera tipped in a saucer pass from Brooks like before the second period’s final buzzer. Chris Kreider’s slapshot restored the Rangers’ lead as Mike Green signaled for a line change. Brad Richards piled on with a net-crasher. Rangers beat Caps 3-1.

A Flashback to Capitals vs Rangers 2011

On April 27, 2012, In Analysis, Playoffs, By Peter Hassett

The Washington Capitals have pulled the New York Rangers for their opponent in the second round of the playoffs (check the schedule here). This will be the sixth time in history that the Caps and Rangers will square off in a best-of-seven series. But unlike recent years, the Rangers are no underdogs. They finished in first place in the Eastern Conference, just barely missing the President’s Trophy after a loss to some no-name team in the final game of the regular season. Meanwhile the Caps are the scrappy team that no one expected to slay the dragon in round one. It’s going to be a big series between two old Patrick Division rivals.

In preparation, we peaked back at last year’s quarterfinal series between the Caps and Rangers in hopes that it might give us a glimpse at the future. No matter their predictive value, these five games were a freaking blast. Join me for some good memories behind the jump.

Tagged with: Alex Semin • Braden Holtby • Brandon Dubinsky • Jason Arnott • Jason Chimera • Marc Staal • Marcus Johansson • Michal Neuvirth • New York Rangers

Know Your Enemy: New York Rangers

On April 26, 2012, In Playoffs, By Ana Hansen

Photo credit: Len Redkoles

The Washington Capitals took their future into their own hands with a big overtime win over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night. As John Walton said, “the king is dead, and the Caps are still dancing.” The Caps have waited until now to find out who their round two dancing partner would be while a couple Games Sevens shook out. But now we know who will join the Caps in the conference semifinals.

The Washington Capitals will face the New York Rangers in the second round. This is fine with us: we’re in a mood right now and there’s nobody the Caps cannot beat. Still, of all our team’s potential dancing partners, the Rangers are the ones who usually step on our toes. Follow us past the jump to have your memory refreshed on exactly who these guys are, and what they’ve been up to since we saw them last.

Tagged with: Alex Semin • Braden Holtby • Henrik Lundqvist • Jason Chimera • New York Rangers • Washington Capitals

Rich Peverley Attempts Slash, Braden Holtby Doesn’t Even Care

On April 25, 2012, In Playoffs, Video, By Ian Oland

Holtby’s not impressed.

Before the series started, the Bruins talked a tough game about getting in Braden Holtby‘s face and making life difficult for him. Like many players before them, they soon learned that was easier said than done. With the score tied at 1-1 at the end of a tense second period, Rich Peverley got a little too close to Holtby and Holtby let him know by shoving him off his skates. Peverely retaliated — or at least, pretended to, taking a two-handed slash at Holtby that he stopped just short, clearly trying to spook or scare him.

Video is below the jump.

Tagged with: Boston Bruins • Braden Holtby • Rich Peverley • Washington Capitals

It’s Time for Braden Holtby to be a Hero

On April 25, 2012, In Playoffs, Video, By Ana Hansen

Video by Roxanne Wilson

Braden Holtby has been a demigod in this series, a rookie goalie going toe-to-toe with a reigning Conn Smythe winner for the first time in NHL history and handling the pressure more brilliantly than any of us could have guessed. Holtby has a .935 SV% and a 2.18 GAA for the series so far, has stopped 202 of the 216 shots directed his way, and tonight, he has an opportunity to etch his name on Caps history.

Tagged with: Braden Holtby • Washington Capitals

Mike Knuble on Game 7: “One Game and Somebody’s Going Home”

On April 24, 2012, In Playoffs, Transcription, By Ana Hansen

Kanoobs celebrates his Game 5 goal. (Photo credit: Bruce Bennett)

After being scratched for the first three games of the Caps’ first round series against Boston, 39-year-old Mike Knuble was inserted into the lineup for Game Four and hasn’t been taken out since. The fan-favorite right wing even scored in the third period of Game Five to help the Capitals take a 3-2 lead in the series. Knuble has always been reliable for the Caps in the postseason — he’s scored 5 goals in 16 career playoff games for the Capitals and has 28 points in 57 career playoff games. The 16-year NHL veteran has also won a Stanley Cup and played in three Game Sevens, which is something not many players on the Caps roster can say.

So what should we expect to see in the deciding game on Wednesday? In an interview with DC101′s Elliot in the Morning, Knuble talks about Braden Holtby, tuning out the Bruins’ trash-talk, and Ovechkin’s limited ice time in Game Three.

Tagged with: Alex Ovechkin • Boston Bruins • Braden Holtby • Dale Hunter • Joel Ward • Washington Capitals

Braden Holtby: A Superstar in the Making?

On April 20, 2012, In News, Playoffs, By Chris Gordon

Photo credit: Patrick McDermott

Braden Holtby. He was simply incredible against the Bruins Thursday night — the only reason why the Caps aren’t down 3-1 heading into Boston. The 22-year-old netminder made 44 saves while allowing a single goal (on a 2-on-1) as the Caps squeaked out a 2-1 victory.

“That’s playoff hockey,” Holtby said after the game. “That’s why it’s so fun — the close games, the close battles. I hope it doesn’t change and I hope that we’re on the high end of it every time.”

After struggling somewhat Monday night (though not as much as the defense) in the Capitals 4-3 loss, this was a hell of a way to bounce back. Throughout the game Holtby was continuously peppered with shots but made save after save.

Tagged with: Alex Semin • Boston Bruins • Braden Holtby • Brooks Laich • Karl Alzner • Washington Capitals

Holtby Superior! Caps beat Bruins 2-1

On April 19, 2012, In Game Recap, Playoffs, By Peter Hassett

Photo credit: Mitchell Layton

After two noisy days without a game, the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins finally got into it again. After the feisty mess that was Game Three, the Capitals had something prove for the hometown crowd– and they had to do it without Nick Backstrom.

Brooks Laich set up Marcus Johansson for an odd-man rush to score in the first ninety seconds of the game. With Dennis Wideman overcommitted on offense, Rich Peverley had an easy time tying it up with an odd-man rush. Alex Semin beat Thomas with a surgical strike on a power play late in the second to give the Caps the lead. Caps beat Bruins 2-1.

Tagged with: Alex Semin • Benoit Pouliot • Boston Bruins • Braden Holtby • Brooks Laich • Dennis Wideman • John Erskine • Washington Capitals

Tim Thomas Kicks Troy Brouwer, Punches Nicklas Backstrom

On April 15, 2012, In Video, By Ana Hansen

In the second period of Game 1, Braden Holtby was whistled for roughing when he shoved Bruins’ forward Chris Kelly out of his crease. It seemed like a pretty tame play for the postseason, but the men in stripes intervened nonetheless.

Well, in the Caps’ Game 2 win against the Bruins, Tim Thomas decided to go medieval on several Capitals. Let’s review, shall we?

Tagged with: Alex Ovechkin • Boston Bruins • Braden Holtby • Claude Julien • Nicklas Backstrom • Tim Thomas • Troy Brouwer • Washington Capitals • Whining

Caps beat Bruins 2-1 (OT), Backstrom Scores in Double OT

On April 14, 2012, In Game Recap, Playoffs, By Peter Hassett

Photo credit: Charles Krupa

After Thursday’s disappointing overtime loss to the Boston Bruins, Dale Hunter’s Washington Capitals redoubled their efforts. The result: another excruciatingly tight hockey game at TD Garden, but with a heluva lot more offense.

Troy Brouwer crashed the net to score to the game’s first goal after 38 scoreless minutes. Halfway through the third, Benoit Pouliot tied the game with a backhand off a loose puck in the slot.

And the overtime. Nothing. OT2 ended in a blink… as Nick Backstrom beat Thomas over the shoulder. Caps beat Bruins 2-1 (OT).

Tagged with: Alex Ovechkin • Boston Bruins • Braden Holtby • John Carlson • Troy Brouwer • Washington Capitals • Zdeno Chara

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A pretty rowdy hockey blog all about the Washington Capitals and some Russian dudes: Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin, and Dmitry Orlov

Holtby Humbled: Rangers beat Caps 3-1

A Flashback to Capitals vs Rangers 2011

Know Your Enemy: New York Rangers

Rich Peverley Attempts Slash, Braden Holtby Doesn’t Even Care

It’s Time for Braden Holtby to be a Hero

Mike Knuble on Game 7: “One Game and Somebody’s Going Home”

Braden Holtby: A Superstar in the Making?

Holtby Superior! Caps beat Bruins 2-1

Tim Thomas Kicks Troy Brouwer, Punches Nicklas Backstrom

Caps beat Bruins 2-1 (OT), Backstrom Scores in Double OT

Ian Oland

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