Player report card:Braden Holtby

Braden Holtby

G-70

Cap hit-$637,777

Regular season 11-12    

Gp	W	L	T	Ot	So	Ga	Sv%	Gaa
7	4	2	-	1	1	15	.922	2.49

Playoffs 11-12

Gp	W	L	T	Ot	So	Ga	Sv%	Gaa
14	7	7	0	4	0	30	.935	1.95

What we expected:

After going 10-2 with a .934sv% last year a lot of us caps fans were hopeful of seeing Holtby in the lineup on a regular basis. This of course all changed unexpectedly when the capitals signed veteran goaltender, Thomas Vokune, to a one year deal. This put a damper on plans for Braden to get his chance at a full season with the caps. This is where maturity prevailed. We saw a great work ethic even though it was a rough year down in a talent depleted Hershey that eventually landed him as the #1 goaltender going into the post season.

What we got:

            During the regular season we saw limited action from the young goaltender. He only appeared in 7 games that also happened to be during a rough stretch and the tail end of the season. He proved him so adequate especially at the end of the regular season. This is a goaltender that only gets better with more time in the net and he showed us that. There was a mental toughness to this kid unseen since the days of Patrick Roy and Ron Hextall and a fluidness and sass to his saves that we all loved seeing. With the tutelage of Olaf Kolzig and Dave Prior we saw a goaltender that is now ready for the big show.

What to expect

        As much as we would like him to be the second coming of Patrick Roy we have to remember he is still only 22 years old. He has a bright future in front of him I would not be surprised if he made the starting roster to start 12-13 seasons. I would not be surprised either to see him get 25-35 starts. As I said before, he will only get better with time. This is a mentally tough goal tender who constantly adapts his game to be better. If there is more excitement on my end for any other player to return yet I haven’t seen it. You can’t shake this kid mentally he’s got it all. It was unfortunate for the post season to end against the rangers. But at the same time it allowed me to see that there is hope for a cup run next year with this net minder in the crease.