Photo: Caps Instagram

Braden Holtby has been busy this year, playing in 53 of the Capitals’ 62 games. Maybe that’s why he just unveiled his fourth new mask of the 2014-15 season. Painted by Swedish artist Dave Gunnarsson, the mask integrates some design features from Holtby’s Winter Classic bucket. The hand-painted Uncle Sam portrait, an homage to Olie Kolzig, returns on the chin.

Via @artofdave, it appears Braden Holtby's getting another new bucket soon pic.twitter.com/68EriRBx0h

— RMNB (@russianmachine) February 16, 2015

Here’s photos of the new mask via Gunnarsson’s Instagram:

Gunnarsson explains the inspiration behind the new mask:

Today we have the pleasure to present the latest chapter in Braden Holtby’s mask history. Just like on Braden’s Winter Classic mask Uncle Sam pop up on the mask, a perfect fit for a goalie in the Capital city.

And the design is not only a time machine with the old school vibes, it is also an interactive design… When you look at the paintings on the sides through a camera and invert the colors… it transforms in front of your eyes and Uncle Sam emerges again… We have added extra inverted photos to show…. The mask truly breath Washington Capitals to 100% and on a distance the design is in total harmony with the Capitals uniform.

When you come closer to the mask it opens up like a storybook. I love to create designs which also are a storyteller. As usual the design is loaded with all the DAVEART Trademark Super FX all over the mask, waiting to be discovered.

Thanks Braden, I am so proud to be your personal mask artist. Thank you all for your visit here and interest.