Getty Images Inexperience (and maybe in-fighting) ranks as one of the concerns for the Washington Capitals goalie duo of Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth, but at least they shouldn’t be rusty.
New Capitals coach Adam Oates doesn’t make any guarantees, yet he provided positive feedback about duo’s work during the lockout to CSNWashington.com’s Chuck Gormley.
“Obviously, they’re going to be in game shape, so that has to be a good thing,” Oates said. “I don’t think there’s any perfect formula, but the fact both of those guys have been playing is good.”
Gormley reminds us that Holtby is considered the team’s No. 1 netminder going into next season.
Both are playing well enough to encourage optimism, however. Despite mediocre win-loss records, Holtby (.932 save percentage in the AHL) and Neuvirth (.927 save percentage in KHL) are looking sharp outside the NHL.
Will that translate to strong play in a potential abbreviated season? That’s unclear, but they’ll hit the ground running while many older goalies will experience a crash course to get ready.
(Many veterans struggled to find short-term work because there are fewer open netminder spots overseas than other positions and the AHL isn’t always an option.)
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His annual cap hit is a hefty $7,727,273.
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Coburn might be heading the other way.
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He also loves 2013 NHL Draft prospect Darnell Nurse.
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The coach already had him picked as Plan B if Marian Hossa couldn’t play.
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Blackhawks coach knows his team has to improve in those areas.
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AP
Stemming from his arrest in 2011.
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“I’ve got a nice little scratch mark on my forehead from the claw marks.”
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23-year-old defenseman had six goals in the playoffs.
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Preds stay busy, ink Henderson to two-year, $1.1 million deal
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26-year-old made his NHL debut last season.
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Pegula ‘concerned’ about Miller and Vanek, wants to keep them in Buffalo
Jun 18, 2013, 3:26 PM EDT
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But will they stay?
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Could an NHL team one day call it home?
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Sharks, Couture reportedly agree to five-year, $30 million extension
Jun 18, 2013, 3:07 PM EDT
As per TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
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He’s still “day-to-day” with his injury.
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He’s been given permission to seek employment elsewhere.
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“We don’t care about calling certain guys superstars on our team,” said the coach.
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AP
Hey, he did take two weeks off.
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AP
The Isles are one team that’s reportedly interested.
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Former North Dakota standout was a 2009 Panthers draftee.
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The No. 2 overall pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft is ready to go.
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Former ‘Hawks assistant takes over the Caps’ minor-league team.
