Despite losses on their home ice in the first two games of the series, the Capitals and coach Bruce Boudreau have elected to stay with goalie Michal Neuvirth in Game 3 on Tuesday, according to Stephen Whyno of the Washington Times. Neuvirth has allowed three goals in each of the first two games, after a stellar series against the Rangers in the first round.
“We’re very comfortable with him,” Boudreau said. “You look at the goals that have been scored – there’s not much he can do about them.” Players were similarly confident in the 23-year-old netminder, who has a 1.77 goals against average and .928 save percentage these playoffs. Neuvirth is not the problem, they said.
The problem is thought to be with the Capitals defense, which has allowed a few shots on goal that they probably shouldn't have. Neuvirth has allowed six goals this series, but only one or two of them were his fault. If he has another game with that many goals allowed on Tuesday in Game 3, it will be interesting to see if the Capitals continue to stick with him while they are facing elimination.