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.