On Wednesday, the Capitals held an optional skate at Kettler Iceplex. Braden Holtby, who started between the pipes during last night’s win over the Dallas Stars, was absent from practice.
Per the Capitals, Holtby was taking a maintenance day.
Maintenance day for Holtby, so Goalie coach Scott Murray suited up for practice #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/xVC61o5lbw
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 21, 2018
Scott Murray, the Caps goaltending coach, stepped in for Holtby during practice. As you can see, the players in attendance didn’t take things easy on him.
Lars Eller not taking it easy on goaltending coach Scott Murray, who’s filling in for Braden Holtby during today’s practice. Holtby is taking a maintenance day. #Caps pic.twitter.com/guKe2aucVV
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) March 21, 2018
The reason for Holtby’s maintenance day could be due to a collision – or an “ouchie,” as Ian so succinctly put on Twitter – suffered during the third period of the game Tuesday night. Holtby was seen flexing his knee after the next stoppage in play.
Holtby remained in net through the end of the game so the day off is likely just be a precautionary measure.
Of course, not even a maintenance day could keep Holtby away for long. Per the Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan, Holtby signed autographs and took photographs after leaving the locker room. The only thing he was apparently missing was his trademark hat.
Holtby's not skating, but he's emerged from the locker room in shorts and a hoodie. Signing for some kids and taking photos. While holding a Starbucks cup. #onbrand
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 21, 2018
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