With Braden Holtby in Net, the Washington Capitals Will Win

Now that we are almost about half way through this lockout-shortened season, teams are starting to show what they are made of. Teams like the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks are proving that they are the cream of the crop, and other squads like Columbus and the Florida Panthers are continuing to round out the bottom.

It has been a unique situation for the defending Southeast Division champion Washington Capitals. While their record (8-11-1) might show mighty struggles, the team has been on an up-swing as of late. Adam Oates has rallied the troops together and won three of the last four games.  Offensively, leaders like Mike Ribeiro and Nicklas Backstrom have been tallying the points and providing chances to get fans in Washington pumped up.

Excited is an understatement for what Capitals fans are experiencing when they have been watching our CAPITALS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Braden Holtby.

Holtby is absolutely the most deserving for the weekly award (Sunday Feb., 24-Saturday March, 2). During the three games played, Holtby started each of them. It wasn’t just the impressive record 2-1, but it was the manner in which he earned his victories that made him the clear choice.

The young goaltender recorded shutouts in both of his wins, games against the Carolina Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets. In the two games, Holtby managed to save EVERY one of the 68 shots he faced.

Holtby should earn a break soon as he has started 13 of the last 14 games; but don’t expect him to take a seat on the bench when the Capitals battle against the Bruins. This guy is hot, and the Capitals are going to need every advantage to beat the surging team from Boston.