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Neuvirth to start versus Leafs as Holtby’s frustration grows

Michal Neuvirth

Michal Neuvirth will be back in Washington’s goal tonight at home to the Maple Leafs as the Capitals (2-6-1) look to bounce back from Sunday’s 6-3 loss to the Penguins.

Neuvirth (1-3-1-, .899 SV%) will replace Braden Holtby, who started the last two games and has surrendered 18 goals in four appearances this season.

“It’s hard not to get frustrated with the results,” said Holtby, per CSNWashington.com. “I don’t remember any stretch in my career that so many goals have gone in that I feel I played them right. It’s a weird time and I believe in the process and that everything evens out.”

The Caps are surrendering 3.67 goals per game, tied for third worst in the NHL. And while it’s not all on the goaltenders, some of it is. Neuvirth and Holtby have combined for a .881 save percentage, the third lowest in the NHL, ahead of only Calgary (.853) and Winnipeg (.872).

Ben Scrivens is expected to get the nod in Toronto’s net after five straight James Reimer starts.