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Washington Capitals: Top 3 reasons to get excited for 2019

By Michael Marzzacco

WASHINGTON DC - JUNE 4: Capitals fans stand cheer the their team taking the ice for the start of the game during the Washington Capitals defeat of the Vegas Golden Knights 6 - 2 in game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals to lead the series 3 game to 1 in Washington DC on June 4, 2018. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC - JUNE 4: Capitals fans stand cheer the their team taking the ice for the start of the game during the Washington Capitals defeat of the Vegas Golden Knights 6 - 2 in game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals to lead the series 3 game to 1 in Washington DC on June 4, 2018. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 03: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 3, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 03: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 3, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

#1 This could be the year of the Holtbeast

I know you might be sick of hearing about him but Braden Holtby could have a memorable season in Washington and it’ll be exciting to follow. We don’t know if 2019-20 will be his last season so it’s important to soak every moment of him in a Capitals sweater.

What kind of a year could Holtby have? With an upgraded defense he has a shot to get back to his Vezina form of winning over 40 games. He needs just 45 to pass Olaf Kolzig for first in wins in franchise history.

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 20:Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) make a save during the second period of Game Five of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, April 20, 2019. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 20:Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) make a save during the second period of Game Five of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, April 20, 2019. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

I have a feeling we’ll see the best of Holtby in 2019-20 which will make it tough to re-sign him when he enters next summer as an unrestricted free agent (UFA). Even so, he’ll be fun to watch throughout the season.

Holtby struggled the last two seasons but did help the Caps to a Stanley Cup in 2018. There’s no reason to think he’ll struggle for the third year in a row. As a matter of fact, despite the Capitals coming up short in Game 7 to the Carolina Hurricanes, Holtby played well.

light. Related Story. Top 3 predictions for Braden Holtby in 2019

Those were our top 3 reasons to get excited or 2019. Caps fans, what are your top 3 reasons?

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