Braden Holtby has saved 91 of 93 shots this series, good for a .978 save percentage, which isn’t bad when you think about it.
Cut to Tuesday’s practice at Wells Fargo Center. Holtby reportedly left about ten minutes in after colliding with a teammate. Holtby was seen favoring his left leg.
Holtby left the ice with a trainer and did not return, but Chuck Gormley has good news.
Not sure exact nature of the injury but Braden Holtby has left the ice. Tom Wilson looked at me, smiled and said it's OK. #CapitalsTalk
— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) April 19, 2016
If you find it odd that Gormley made a point of Tom Wilson smiling at him, that’s only because Tom Wilson has never smiled at you. I promise you it’s a big deal.
The teammate who hit Holtby has not been named– possibly to protect him from internet feels, but probably also because no one saw who it was. Justin Williams is a likely suspect.
As of right now, there is no reason to panic. ESPN’s Joe McDonald reported Holtby was in good spirits.
Holtby just walked through locker room smiling. It was obvious his left leg received treatment.
— Joe McDonald (@JoeyMacHockey) April 19, 2016
But in case you were wondering, Caps backup goalie Philipp Grubauer has one NHL playoff game to his name, a win over the Islanders in 2015. Grubauer sported a .857 save percentage in that game.
Word of Holtby’s early exit traveled quickly, all the way to the opponent’s backup goalie.
Neuvirth upon hearing Holtby left prax hurt. “I’m sure he’s going to be all right…We can’t be worried about if he’s going to play or not."
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) April 19, 2016
(Neuvirth and Holtby have a history, by the way.)
Jill Sorenson says everything is fine.
Holtby just walked quickly through the locker room. Seemed to walk fine. #CapitalsTalk
— Jill Sorenson (@JillSorenson17) April 19, 2016
Update: Trotz speaks. Everything is gravy.
Trotz said Orpik won't play tomorrow. Said Holtby got "nicked up," but he doesn't anticipate him not playing.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 19, 2016
In other injury news, Tayler Chorney paired with Dmitry Orlov this afternoon, so Chorney will likely replace Orpik if he’s unable to play. Mike Weber should be the odd man out in Wednesday’s Game Four.
In conclusion, everybody chill and have a lovely afternoon.
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