The Washington Capitals will play their second Game 7 of the 2012 NHL Playoffs on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The No. 7 seed Caps have played one-goal games in 12 of their first 13 playoff contests, including a Game 7 overtime victory against the Boston Bruins to advance to face the Rangers. Washington netminder Braden Holtby has been one of the biggest reasons for his team's success this postseason, particularly with his performance in elimination games.
Capitals Vs. Rangers Game 7, 2012 NHL Playoffs: Braden Holtby Calm Heading Into Decisive Showdown
Holtby got the call after Tomas Vokoun and Michal Neuvirth went down with late-season injuries, and the rookie goaltender has been unflappable in the crease. Heading into the biggest game of his life, Holtby is maintaing that calm demeanor. Speaking with the media prior to Game 7, Holtby said it was just another game and he had no fear of heading into hostile territory:
I don’t think we feel any pressure in here. That’s the main thing is everyone is pretty relaxed....There’s no fear of losing in here. There’s no second doubts.
Holtby said that as a goalie, Game 7 won’t be any harder or easier and while it’s always the same circumstances in the crease, he’s learned to control his emotions over the past few years. It may be nice and cool on the outside, but when the puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night, the Caps’ season will almost certainly hinge on their rookie between the pipes.
For all news and information regarding the Washington Capitals, please visit Japers' Rink or check out SB Nation DC. For updates and perspective on the New York Rangers, head on over to Blueshirt Banter or stop by SB Nation New York. For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.
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