Holtby

It's a chance Holtby is certainly excited about, but one he knows he ultimately doesn't control either.

Pick 'em: How many games should Michal Neuvirth start on the road trip? Katie Carrera 2010

Holtby is 4-0-1 with a 1.97 goals against average and .933 save percentage through five games with the Bears this year.

Braden Holtby recalled from Hershey Katie Carrera 2010

When he arrived in Hershey, it took a little bit of time for Bears Coach Mark French to adjust to the idea of Holtby so freely and confidently looking to help with the play.

Braden Holtby on being a puck-handling goaltender 2011

With how much the puck bounced around on that tying goal, that was credited to Marian Gaborik but both teams said the puck went off Karl Alzner's stick, it's hard to blame it on Holtby.

Capitals continue to struggle beyond regulation, fall 2-1 to Rangers in shootout Katie Carrera 2011

For Holtby, the 35-save performance that included 18 stops in the third period as the Maple Leafs tried to mount a comeback, was another step forward in proving that he is capable of succeeding in the NHL.

Capitals provide Braden Holtby with plenty of support against Toronto Katie Carrera 2011

The injuries to Holtby and Sabourin means Neuvirth's backup tonight will be Todd Ford, who signed an NHL contract with the Capitals on Friday worth $500,000 according to Capgeek.

Mathieu Perreault reassigned to Hershey, Todd Ford to backup on Long Island 2011

The usual call up from Hershey in this situation would be Braden Holtby, but he suffered a lower body injury earlier in the week while playing against the Toronto Marlies for the Bears and is formally listed as week-to-week.

Mathieu Perreault reassigned to Hershey, Todd Ford to backup on Long Island 2011

Holtby is known for his aggressive style and confidence playing the puck, while part of his limited involvement with the puck was because the Oilers couldn't get much going in the offensive zone, he also wasn't completely comfortable with the Verizon Center boards.

Braden Holtby on reacting to unfamiliar shooters and rinks in the NHL 2011

"Feeling comfortable is a good thing," Holtby said.

Capitals provide Braden Holtby with plenty of support against Toronto Katie Carrera 2011

"The guys are doing a tremendous job," Holtby said of the support.

Capitals provide Braden Holtby with plenty of support against Toronto Katie Carrera 2011