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Caps send Grubauer back to AHL

Washington Capitals v New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 09: Philipp Grubauer #31 of the Washington Capitals sticks aside a shot in the game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on March 9, 2013 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The struggling Washington Capitals are back down to two goalies after sending rookie Philipp Grubauer back to AHL Hershey.

Grubauer, 22, departs the NHL with an impressive .926 save percentage in 14 starts; however, his last couple of outings have been rough ones.

For head coach Adam Oates, Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth are his choices in goal now. Unfortunately for Oates, neither of those two has played particularly well lately.

Granted, considering the Caps are surrendering an average of 34.0 shots per game -- the third most in the NHL -- goaltending is far from the only problem for the players, coach and general manager George McPhee, the latter of whom may be feeling pressure to address his team’s issues with a move.

“We’re in a slump right now, that’s for sure,” forward Nicklas Backstrom said. “We have to start playing way better around here. It’s tough right now.”

Washington hosts Ottawa tomorrow.

Related: When will Holtby start again for Caps?