Getty Images Braden Holtby will have someone new to chat with during breaks tonight against Philadelphia.
His normal backup, Michal Neuvirth, has fallen ill, forcing the Capitals to call up Philipp Grubauer from AHL Hershey for Tuesday’s game against the Flyers.
Grubauer, 21, is a German-born netminder taken in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
He’s spent the majority of his career in the ECHL, but made the jump to Hershey this season, where he’s fared well — 6-4-1 with a 2.10 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.
The organization thinks highly of Grubauer. But make no mistake, the goaltending position is all about Holtby at the moment.
He’s been Washington’s goalie of record since Feb. 7 and has gone 5-2 over the last seven games with a .937 save percentage, which included a 33-save shutout against Carolina on Tuesday night.
Holtby has only allowed six goals over his last four games and tonight, will look to replicate his success against the Flyers from Feb. 1, when he stopped 29 of 31 shots for a 3-2 victory at Verizon.
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One loss away from elimination.
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Dream match-up: Winterhawks, Seth Jones, advance to Memorial Cup final against Mooseheads
May 25, 2013, 1:03 AM EDT
Future of the NHL.
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Video: Penguins’ Neal scores a beauty to complete his first NHL playoff hat trick
May 25, 2013, 12:20 AM EDT
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Now, that’s a toe-drag.
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Was Friday’s loss his last NHL games?
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Penguins put on a ‘clinic’ in semifinal series win over Senators
May 24, 2013, 11:15 PM EDT
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Pittsburgh wins in five games.
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Bad blood, although this seemed unnecessary.
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Report: NHL to present Glendale with Coyotes ownership plan next week
May 24, 2013, 10:31 PM EDT
AP
Big developments coming out of the desert.
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Discuss: Penguins knock off the Senators in Game 5, headed to conference final
May 24, 2013, 10:27 PM EDT
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Await winner of Boston-New York.
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One-year, one-way.
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Kings’ Stoll skates for first time since Game 1 injury; has a ‘long ways to go’
May 24, 2013, 9:50 PM EDT
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L.A. can move to conference final with a win over the Sharks in Game 6.
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‘It’s because of the money’: KHL threat is real, says Blue Jackets GM
May 24, 2013, 9:19 PM EDT
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Not speaking about Bobrovsky, but in general.
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You be the judge.
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Phantom call?
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Report: Roy already kicking tires on possible Colorado assistants
May 24, 2013, 8:00 PM EDT
Including one of his coaching rivals from the QMJHL.
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Kunitz likely, Morrow unlikely (Update: correction, he’s in) for Pens in Game 5 vs. Sens
May 24, 2013, 7:01 PM EDT
AP
Dan Bylsma sticking with the same lineup.
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Kevin Prendergast (pictured) and longtime NHL netminder Ron Tugnutt were let go.
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AP
“The NHL remains committed to securing the Coyotes’ future in Glendale under new ownership, and we believe Don’s long-term agreement evidences that he is equally committed,” said the deputy commish.
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McLellan: Burish ‘very close,’ could be in Sharks lineup for Game 6
May 24, 2013, 4:28 PM EDT
He’s missed the entire series with a broken hand.
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Craig MacTavish has a few things he’d like in return.
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AP
“Hopefully, we’ll find that chemistry,” says Spezza.
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Video: Highlights: Penguins crush Senators to move on
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Video: Neil hits Murray below the belt
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Video: Morrow's goal up for review in Game 5
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Video: Phantom penalty called on Crosby
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Video: I was there: Bruins stun Maple Leafs in Game 7
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Video: Top-seeded Blackhawks on brink of elimination
