The Washington Capitals have been flat all night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After falling behind 3-0 in the game’s first 30 minutes, Barry Trotz was forced to make his first in-game goalie change all year, pulling Braden Holtby in favor of Philipp Grubauer. Holtby, who is an early season Vezina Trophy candidate, surrendered three goals on 12 shots, including tallies on two consecutive attempts. None of the goals were completely Holtby’s fault.
Trotz most likely made the change to motivate his players and it seemed like the Caps knew this. As Holtby skated towards the bench, the players patted their goaltender on the back as if to say they were sorry. The Verizon Center crowd even gave the Holtbeast a loud ovation.
The fiery Holtby, however, did not handle it well. According to RMNB’s Chris Gordon, Holtby slammed his stick as he left the ice and kicked his helmet down the tunnel.
He eventually came back to the bench and watched the game with his hands on his hips.
Four minutes and forty-five seconds after Holtby left the ice, Alex Ovechkin scored on the power play.
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