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Capitals: Top 3 key players to watch against Golden Knights

By Michael Marzzacco

LAS VEGAS, VA - JUNE 7:Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) skates with the Stanley Cup after winning Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday, June 7, 2018. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, VA - JUNE 7:Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) skates with the Stanley Cup after winning Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday, June 7, 2018. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 30: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals makes a diving stick save on a shot by Alex Tuch #89 of the Vegas Golden Knights as John Carlson #74 of the Capitals defends in the third period of Game Two of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 3-2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 30: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals makes a diving stick save on a shot by Alex Tuch #89 of the Vegas Golden Knights as John Carlson #74 of the Capitals defends in the third period of Game Two of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 3-2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Braden Holtby

The Washington Capitals don’t have too much to feel good about other than the recent play of the Holtbeast which has kept them in games. Braden Holtby was no different on Saturday, the offense just came up empty except on Hagelin’s end.

Holtby has gone 1-1 and a no decision in his last three games but stopped 71 of the 75 shots he faced for a 1.67 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage. Holtby came in on relief of the New York Islanders game where he stopped all 12 shots he faced.

He followed that up with 32 saves on 34 shots against the Colorado Avalanche for a .441 save percentage for the win. The other night against the Arizona Coyotes saw Holtby stop 27 of 29 shots for a .931 save percentage.

His advanced stats have also been tremendous. He stopped 17 of 18 high danger shots for a .944 save percentage. It’s time for the team in front of him to step up their game, protect the net, and give Holtby another well deserved win. If Ovechkin doesn’t get his 700th at least get a win for the Holtbeast.

“He’s really put his foot down,” said Capitals head coach Todd Reirden per Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic.

Of course, this post rounds out with the obvious player to watch on the big stage.

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