Washington Capitals: Braden Holtby’s big year ahead

As the Washington Capitals gear up to defend their Stanley Cup championship, Braden Holtby must find the form he displayed in the playoffs again.

For Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby, this is a big year.

Holtby’s strength and stability were crucial as the Caps dug themselves out of trouble the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Down 2-0 in the series on the road, it was his calmness that saved DC after the Blue Jackets tied Game 3.

It was his highlight-reel save in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals that fans will remember for years. Holtby’s 16 wins and 2.16 goals-against average ruled the roost. He stopped 92.2 percent of shots faced. That is a ton of frozen rubber or 589 pucks.

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Yet, the regular season is one Holtby wants to forget.

Remember, Philipp Grubauer’s hot finish earned him the starting nod the first two nights of the Columbus series. Holtby went from Vezina top-5 to clipboard holder in a short time. He found his groove during the playoffs and delivered, but his road to the Stanley Cup started with a massive speed bump

Holtby starts this year as the clear No. 1 goalie. With unproven Pheonix Copley as the backup, the Caps need Holtby returning to his top form. Although a 70-game season is too much to ask, he needs to play at least 60.

Whether head coach Todd Reirden gives him a night off during a back-to-back set or against bottom-feeding clubs does not matter. Copley will need quality time against other playoff clubs just in case and Holtby will cherish the rest.

As the Caps defend their championship, it is vital they win the Metropolitan Division again. Anything they can do to avoid the Pittsburgh Penguins or Philadelphia Flyers in the first round makes life easier.

But, there is a catch.

Washington needs a new netminder coach as Mitch Korn followed Barry Trotz to Brooklyn and the New York Islanders. Although there is little to teach a perennial All-Star goalie, there are mechanical flaws which need occasional fixing. Holtby’s GAA and save percentage went the wrong way last year into career-worst territory.

At 28, Holtby is in the prime of his career. Under contract for two years, he is the Caps goalie through this championship window. But, he must find the form of years past to help take the pressure off his teammates.

The Washington Capitals played 106 meaningful games last year. Although they have youth, there are tired legs. Braden Holtby can help by being himself. The skaters in front need it.