Monday morning, the Washington Capitals took the ice for the first time since finding out they’d play the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round. Game One is Thursday at Capital One Arena.
The Capitals held an optional practice allowing many of the team’s stars to rest for one more day. Head coach Barry Trotz spoke to reporters after the skate anyway, and announced that he’s chosen the team’s starting goaltender for the postseason.
Trotz said he’s decided on a starting goaltender. Hasn’t told them yet, so he’s not telling the media yet.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 9, 2018
Asked Trotz if perhaps he’ll tell us who the starting goalie is tomorrow. “Perhaps,” he said.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 9, 2018
Trotz, however, did not tell Braden Holtby or Philipp Grubauer his decision.
#Caps goalies Philipp Grubauer and Braden Holtby say they haven’t been told who’s starting Game 1 vs. #CBJ.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) April 9, 2018
Holtby, a Vezina Trophy winner in 2016 as the league’s best netminder, has earned a majority of the Capitals starts in goal since 2013 and has been the team’s starter in the playoffs since 2011. Holtby also owns one of the highest save percentages in the playoffs all time.
But after facing an abundance of high-danger shots, the Holtbeast began to falter towards the end of the winter, necessitating a “reset” and yielding the starting position to Philipp Grubauer.
Grubauer has been sensational as the starter, leading the Capitals to their third straight division title. Since January, he’s won 13 of his last 18 starts.
