James Tanner: Capitals Go With Grubauer for Game One

This is an interesting choice. Holtby is an amazing goalie but in the playoffs tends to let in a few weak ones. I got the sense he really wanted to prove himself this year but I guess they re going with the goalie on a hot streak.

Always been a grubby job. Why not let a grubby man do it?

he'll have a short leash....hotlby will see playing time by the end of game 2.

Hoping at least one person in my playoff pool misses the memo on this, and puts holtby in.

You HAVE to start a playoff tested Holtby over Grubauer. Looks like there will be a coaching change in Washington after they're knocked out in first round.

James Tanner: Capitals Go With Grubauer for Game One
- james_tanner1

mind games.......inserts Korpisalo

Hoping at least one person in my playoff pool misses the memo on this, and puts holtby in.
- david22

I had this problem a lot with my NFL picks on draftkings.

I think you said it best right here James:

I understand that the Playoffs are short, that you can't afford to lose because of a bad goalie, but I think it's a big risk to sit Holtby. He's been so good, for so long.

While Holtby in general, seems to be the better goalie, it's a risk to play a guy that has been faltering and just hoping he finds his game. How many games do you give him to get back his mojo? 1 game? 2 games?

This is a risk in a 7 game series where even falling behind 2 games can often give you an insurmountable task of coming back to win the series, let alone if a rusty Grubauer (who knows he was second choice and now has all the pressure on him to win) then comes in and poops the bed in game 3...

On the other hand, not using your starter, who certainly has a far more impressive body of work to recommend him over Grubauer, might also look crazy to a lot of people.

I think both goalies will be on a short leash, as another poster suggested, and will play until they underwhelm, at which point they'll be switched in the hope the other does better.

St. Louis/islanders/Carolina/Buffalo should all be making calls to see if Holtby is for trade.

St. Louis/islanders/Carolina/Buffalo should all be making calls to see if Holtby is for trade.
- Aaron_85

I wouldn't throw St Louis into that mix...agree with the others

I think Holtby and Jake Allen in St Louis both need a change. I believe Holtby makes more than Allen, not sure what else it might take part from St Louis to make it happen.

Do you think Jimmy Tanner, already has his crybaby excuse article written for the Annual 2nd round loss to the Pens? Gotta start thinking ahead here.

Do you think Jimmy Tanner, already has his crybaby excuse article written for the Annual 2nd round loss to the Pens? Gotta start thinking ahead here.
- outpost316

No.

Although should that unfortunate circumstance occur, I'll be curious what he has to say. All he's talked about since the summer is how the Caps have made such great moves and are finally ready to take the next step.

No.

Although should that unfortunate circumstance occur, I'll be curious what he has to say. All he's talked about since the summer is how the Caps have made such great moves and are finally ready to take the next step.
- dra4477

Haha I think you're joking, but I'm not sure. I have definitely talked about the opposite of that!

Haha I think you're joking, but I'm not sure. I have definitely talked about the opposite of that!
- james_tanner1

Yup, joking