The Washington Capitals made a roster move after their 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
Shortly after the final horn sounded, the Capitals sent veteran defenseman Justin Holl back to the AHL’s Hershey Bears, per the NHL media site. The Caps recalled Holl earlier this week after placing Matt Roy and Rasmus Sandin on regular and long-term injured reserve, respectively.
Holl dressed for three games with the Capitals, averaging 12:59 of ice time. He arrived in DC with just 14 career goals in 405 NHL games and immediately scored in two straight games. In doing so, he became the first Capitals defenseman to score in each of his first two games with the franchise.
Justin Holl goal against Hurricanes
Justin Holl goal against Canadiens
The 34-year-old blueliner spent all three games paired with rookie defender Cole Hutson, and the two did not handle their five-on-five minutes well. With them on the ice, the Capitals saw just 42.5 percent of shot attempts, 24.4 percent of expected goals, 30.4 percent of scoring chances, and 20 percent of high-danger chances. However, they did outscore their opposition 2-1.
Holl’s demotion comes as Roy prepares to make his return to Washington’s lineup after missing six games with a lower-body injury. Roy, newly named an alternate captain this season, fully participated in practice on Friday and skated with Pierre-Luc Dubois on Saturday morning.
The Capitals’ next game comes against Roy’s former team, the Los Angeles Kings, on Tuesday at Capital One Arena.
