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[[File:Holtby at Rest (7137931259).jpg|thumb|left|Holtby with the Capitals in May 2012]]
[[File:Holtby at Rest (7137931259).jpg|thumb|left|Holtby with the Capitals in May 2012]]
He returned in the last game of the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]] after injuries to starter [[Tomáš Vokoun]] and backup [[Michal Neuvirth]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Braden Holtby makes 35 saves to help Caps down Rangers |url=http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047823|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213023154/http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047823|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 13, 2013|access-date=April 21, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=April 7, 2012}}</ref> Holtby started Game 1 of the [[2012 Stanley Cup playoffs]] against the Boston Bruins, saving 29 of 30 shots in a 1–0 overtime loss.<ref>{{cite news |last=Golen |first=Jimmy |title=Kelly ends it in overtime as Bruins beat Caps 1-0 |url=http://stats.washingtonpost.com/nhl/recap.asp?g=2012041201&home=1&vis=23&final=true|access-date=April 21, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 12, 2012}}</ref> In Game 2, Holtby stopped 43 of 44 shots in a 2–1 double overtime win to tie the series at 1–1.<ref>{{cite news |last=Golen |first=Jimmy |title=Backstrom gives Caps 2-1 win over Bruins in 2OT |url=http://stats.washingtonpost.com/nhl/recap.asp?g=2012041401&home=1&vis=23&final=true|access-date=April 21, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 14, 2012}}</ref> Washington Head Coach [[Dale Hunter]] decided to start Holtby for the next game, even though Neuvirth and Vokoun would be available in the playoffs, stating, "Holtby's our goalie." Holtby went on to aid the Capitals in upsetting the second seeded Bruins, stopping all but one of the shots he faced in a Game 7 to beat the Bruins 2–1 in overtime. He continued his sensational play against the top-seeded [[New York Rangers]], splitting two road games in New York and stopping all shots he faced until late in a triple overtime game that saw the Capitals fall 2–1. Holtby continued his impressive goaltending by beating the Rangers in Game 4 to tie the series at 2–2. However, he was not as stellar in Game 5, allowing the game-tying goal with 6.6 seconds left in the game and then giving up the losing goal in overtime. After the game, Holtby stated, "I didn't see a thing."<ref>{{cite news |title=Caps lose lead in final 7 seconds, fall early in OT |author=Stephen Whyno |newspaper=The Washington Times |date=May 7, 2012 |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/may/7/caps-lose-lead-in-final-7-seconds-fall-early-in-ot/}}</ref> After the loss, Holtby rebounded by making 30 saves in Game 6, with the Capitals winning 2–1 and forcing the decisive Game 7. On May 12, Holtby started in his second career Game 7. One minute and 32 seconds into the game, [[Brad Richards]] of the Rangers blasted a slap shot past Holtby, making the score 1–0 early in. Holtby was able to shake it off, however, and play a solid game, finishing with 29 saves, though the Capitals were ultimately unable to beat the Rangers in the final period, losing Game 7.
He returned in the last game of the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]] after injuries to starter [[Tomáš Vokoun]] and backup [[Michal Neuvirth]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Braden Holtby makes 35 saves to help Caps down Rangers |url=http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047823|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213023154/http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047823|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 13, 2013|access-date=April 21, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=April 7, 2012}}</ref> Holtby started Game 1 of the [[2012 Stanley Cup playoffs|2012 playoffs]] against the defending Stanley Cup champion and second-seeded Boston Bruins, saving 29 of 30 shots in a 1–0 overtime loss.<ref>{{cite news |last=Golen |first=Jimmy |title=Kelly ends it in overtime as Bruins beat Caps 1-0 |url=http://stats.washingtonpost.com/nhl/recap.asp?g=2012041201&home=1&vis=23&final=true|access-date=April 21, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 12, 2012}}</ref> In Game 2, Holtby stopped 43 of 44 shots in a 2–1 double overtime win to tie the series at 1–1.<ref>{{cite news |last=Golen |first=Jimmy |title=Backstrom gives Caps 2-1 win over Bruins in 2OT |url=http://stats.washingtonpost.com/nhl/recap.asp?g=2012041401&home=1&vis=23&final=true|access-date=April 21, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 14, 2012}}</ref> Washington head coach [[Dale Hunter]] decided to start Holtby for the next game, even though Neuvirth and Vokoun would be available in the playoffs, stating, "Holtby's our goalie." Holtby went on to aid the Capitals in upsetting the Bruins, stopping all but one of the shots he faced in a Game 7 to beat the Bruins 2–1 in overtime. He continued his sensational play against the top-seeded [[New York Rangers]], splitting two road games in New York and stopping all shots he faced until late in a triple overtime game that saw the Capitals fall 2–1. Holtby continued his impressive goaltending by beating the Rangers in Game 4 to tie the series at 2–2. However, he was not as stellar in Game 5, allowing the game-tying goal with 6.6 seconds left in the game and then giving up the losing goal in overtime. After the game, Holtby stated, "I didn't see a thing."<ref>{{cite news |title=Caps lose lead in final 7 seconds, fall early in OT |author=Stephen Whyno |newspaper=The Washington Times |date=May 7, 2012 |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/may/7/caps-lose-lead-in-final-7-seconds-fall-early-in-ot/}}</ref> After the loss, Holtby rebounded by making 30 saves in Game 6, with the Capitals winning 2–1 and forcing the decisive Game 7. On May 12, Holtby started in his second career Game 7. One minute and 32 seconds into the game, [[Brad Richards]] of the Rangers blasted a slap shot past Holtby, making the score 1–0 early in. Holtby was able to shake it off, however, and play a solid game, finishing with 29 saves, though the Capitals were ultimately unable to beat the Rangers in the final period, losing Game 7.


After his impressive playoff performances as a rookie, Holtby was rewarded with the starting goaltender's job for the [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]], as named by Washington's new head coach, [[Adam Oates]]. On February 25, 2013, just over a month after the [[2012–13 NHL lockout|lockout]]-shortened season commenced, Holtby agreed to a two-year, $3.7 million contract extension with the Capitals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brough |first1=Jason |title=Caps give Holtby two-year, $3.7 million contract extension |url=http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2013/02/25/caps-give-holtby-two-year-3-7-million-contract-extension/ |website=nbcsports.com |publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=December 11, 2017 |date=February 25, 2013}}</ref>
After his impressive playoff performances as a rookie, Holtby was rewarded with the starting goaltender's job for the [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]], as named by Washington's new head coach, [[Adam Oates]]. On February 25, 2013, just over a month after the [[2012–13 NHL lockout|lockout]]-shortened season commenced, Holtby agreed to a two-year, $3.7 million contract extension with the Capitals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brough |first1=Jason |title=Caps give Holtby two-year, $3.7 million contract extension |url=http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2013/02/25/caps-give-holtby-two-year-3-7-million-contract-extension/ |website=nbcsports.com |publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=December 11, 2017 |date=February 25, 2013}}</ref>


On April 8, 2015, Holtby shut-out the Boston Bruins, 3–0, and having already shut-out Boston in his previous two games in the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]], he became the first goaltender to ever perform a season-sweep of three or more games against Boston without a single goal allowed. This victory would also give him 41 wins on the season, tying him with [[Olaf Kölzig]] for most in a single season in Capitals history.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Valentine |first1=Harvey |title=Holtby Blanks Bruins Again, Capitals Win 3-0 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/holtby-blanks-bruins-again-capitals-win-3-0/2015/04/08/77b344e0-de63-11e4-b6d7-b9bc8acf16f7_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417071912/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/holtby-blanks-bruins-again-capitals-win-3-0/2015/04/08/77b344e0-de63-11e4-b6d7-b9bc8acf16f7_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 17, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref> On May 4, 2015, Holtby shut-out the [[Presidents' Trophy]]-winning New York Rangers, 1–0, to capture a 2–1 playoff lead in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. The Capitals lost the series to the New York Rangers 2–1 in overtime in a game 7 at Madison Square Garden despite being up 3–1 earlier in the series.
On April 8, 2015, Holtby shut-out the Boston Bruins, 3–0, and having already shut-out Boston in his previous two games in the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]], he became the first goaltender to ever perform a season-sweep of three or more games against Boston without a single goal allowed. This victory would also give him 41 wins on the season, tying him with [[Olaf Kölzig]] for most in a single season in Capitals history.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Valentine |first1=Harvey |title=Holtby Blanks Bruins Again, Capitals Win 3-0 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/holtby-blanks-bruins-again-capitals-win-3-0/2015/04/08/77b344e0-de63-11e4-b6d7-b9bc8acf16f7_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417071912/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/holtby-blanks-bruins-again-capitals-win-3-0/2015/04/08/77b344e0-de63-11e4-b6d7-b9bc8acf16f7_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 17, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref> On May 4, 2015, Holtby shut-out the [[Presidents' Trophy]]-winning New York Rangers, 1–0, to capture a 2–1 playoff lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Capitals lost the series to the New York Rangers 2–1 in overtime in a game 7, despite being up 3–1 earlier in the series.


Following the [[2014–15 NHL season]] Holtby became a restricted free agent under the [[NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement]]. The Washington Capitals made him a [[qualifying offer]] to retain his NHL rights and, on July 5, 2015, Holtby filed for Salary Arbitration.<ref>{{cite web |title=Twenty-three players elect salary arbitration |url=https://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=773987 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706220626/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=773987 |archive-date=July 6, 2015 |date=July 5, 2015}}</ref> On July 24, it was announced by the team that Holtby had signed a 5-year, $30.5 million contract.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Caps PR. |title=Capitals Re-sign Braden Holtby |url=http://capitalstoday.monumentalnetwork.com/2015/07/24/capitals-re-sign-braden-holtby |website=capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com|access-date=July 16, 2024 |location=Arlington, Va |date=July 24, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724215740/http://capitalstoday.monumentalnetwork.com/2015/07/24/capitals-re-sign-braden-holtby |archivedate=July 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Katie |title=Capitals sign goaltender Holtby to five-year contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-sign-goaltender-holtby-to-five-year-contract/c-775599 |website=NHL.com |publisher=NHL|access-date=July 16, 2024 |location=Arlington, Va |date=July 24, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211160948/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-sign-goaltender-holtby-to-five-year-contract/c-775599 |archivedate=December 11, 2017}}</ref> On April 9, 2016, the Capitals defeated the [[St. Louis Blues]] 5–1, earning Holtby his 48th win of the season (four of which came via shootouts) and tying him with [[Martin Brodeur]] for the most wins in a single season record. He achieved the mark with 66 game starts throughout the [[2015–16 NHL season]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Isabelle Khurshudyan |date=April 9, 2016 |title=Braden Holtby ties wins record, Alex Ovechkin nets hat trick for 50 goals, and Caps top Blues |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/braden-holtby-ties-wins-record-alex-ovechkin-nets-hat-trick-to-reach-50-goals-and-capitals-beat-blues/2016/04/09/22ac0824-fe92-11e5-886f-a037dba38301_story.html}}</ref> After the season ended, Holtby won the [[Vezina Trophy]], awarded to the league's best goaltender. Holtby was also a finalist for the [[Ted Lindsay Award]] as the most outstanding player judged by the NHLPA and the award ultimately went to [[Chicago Blackhawks]] winger [[Patrick Kane]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/05/06/benn-holtby-kane-are-ted-lindsay-award-finalists/84046986/ |title=Jamie Benn, Braden Holtby, Patrick Kane are Ted Lindsay Award finalists |author=AP |website=usatoday.com |publisher=USA Today |date=May 6, 2016 |access-date=April 9, 2024}}</ref>
Following the [[2014–15 NHL season]] Holtby became a restricted free agent under the [[NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement]]. The Washington Capitals made him a [[qualifying offer]] to retain his NHL rights and, on July 5, 2015, Holtby filed for Salary Arbitration.<ref>{{cite web |title=Twenty-three players elect salary arbitration |url=https://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=773987 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706220626/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=773987 |archive-date=July 6, 2015 |date=July 5, 2015}}</ref> On July 24, it was announced by the team that Holtby had signed a 5-year, $30.5 million contract.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Caps PR. |title=Capitals Re-sign Braden Holtby |url=http://capitalstoday.monumentalnetwork.com/2015/07/24/capitals-re-sign-braden-holtby |website=capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com|access-date=July 16, 2024 |location=Arlington, Va |date=July 24, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724215740/http://capitalstoday.monumentalnetwork.com/2015/07/24/capitals-re-sign-braden-holtby |archivedate=July 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Katie |title=Capitals sign goaltender Holtby to five-year contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-sign-goaltender-holtby-to-five-year-contract/c-775599 |website=NHL.com |publisher=NHL|access-date=July 16, 2024 |location=Arlington, Va |date=July 24, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211160948/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-sign-goaltender-holtby-to-five-year-contract/c-775599 |archivedate=December 11, 2017}}</ref> On April 9, 2016, the Capitals defeated the [[St. Louis Blues]] 5–1, earning Holtby his 48th win of the season (four of which came via shootouts) and tying him with [[Martin Brodeur]] for the most wins in a single season record. He achieved the mark with 66 game starts throughout the [[2015–16 NHL season]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Isabelle Khurshudyan |date=April 9, 2016 |title=Braden Holtby ties wins record, Alex Ovechkin nets hat trick for 50 goals, and Caps top Blues |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/braden-holtby-ties-wins-record-alex-ovechkin-nets-hat-trick-to-reach-50-goals-and-capitals-beat-blues/2016/04/09/22ac0824-fe92-11e5-886f-a037dba38301_story.html}}</ref> After the season ended, Holtby won the [[Vezina Trophy]], awarded to the league's best goaltender. Holtby was also a finalist for the [[Ted Lindsay Award]] as the most outstanding player judged by the NHLPA and the award ultimately went to [[Chicago Blackhawks]] winger [[Patrick Kane]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/05/06/benn-holtby-kane-are-ted-lindsay-award-finalists/84046986/ |title=Jamie Benn, Braden Holtby, Patrick Kane are Ted Lindsay Award finalists |author=AP |website=usatoday.com |publisher=USA Today |date=May 6, 2016 |access-date=April 9, 2024}}</ref>
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[[File:Braden Holtby 2016-04-07 1.JPG|thumb|right|upright|Holtby with the Capitals in April 2016.]]
During the [[2017–18 Washington Capitals season|2017–18 season]], Holtby became the second fastest NHL goaltender to record 200 career wins behind [[Ken Dryden]]. He recorded this feat on November 10, 2017, when the Capitals beat the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] 4–1.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gulitti |first1=Tom |title=Capitals goalie Holtby honored to be mentioned with Dryden |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-goalie-braden-holtby-reaches-200-wins/c-292864670 |website=NHL.com|access-date=November 12, 2017 |date=November 11, 2017}}</ref> He was also named an NHL All-Star for the third consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Holtby Selected to Participate in 2018 NHL All-Star Game |url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/holtby-selected-to-participate-in-2018-nhl-all-star-game/c-294844044 |website=NHL.com |access-date=July 30, 2018 |date=January 10, 2018}}</ref>


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[[File:Braden Holtby 2016-04-07 1.JPG|thumb|right|upright|Holtby with the Capitals in April 2016.]]
On March 28, 2017, Holtby earned his 40th win of the season when the Capitals beat the [[Minnesota Wild]] 5–4 in overtime. This win made Holtby the third goaltender in league history to record at least 40 wins in three consecutive seasons, joining Brodeur (2005–08) and [[Evgeni Nabokov]] (2007–10).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/braden-holtby-earns-40th-win-of-the-season/c-288199730 |title=Braden Holtby Earns 40th Win of the Season |date=March 28, 2017 |website=NHL.com|access-date=March 29, 2017}}</ref>
On March 28, 2017, Holtby earned his 40th win of the season when the Capitals beat the [[Minnesota Wild]] 5–4 in overtime. This win made Holtby the third goaltender in league history to record at least 40 wins in three consecutive seasons, joining Brodeur (2005–08) and [[Evgeni Nabokov]] (2007–10).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/braden-holtby-earns-40th-win-of-the-season/c-288199730 |title=Braden Holtby Earns 40th Win of the Season |date=March 28, 2017 |website=NHL.com|access-date=March 29, 2017}}</ref>


The Capitals' head coach [[Barry Trotz]] opted to choose back-up goaltender [[Philipp Grubauer]] to start the [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs|2018 playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gulitti |first1=Tom |title=Grubauer to start Game 1 for Capitals against Blue Jackets |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/philipp-grubauer-to-start-game-1-for-capitals/c-297859086 |website=NHL.com |access-date=July 30, 2018 |date=April 10, 2018}}</ref> After Grubauer struggled against the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] in the first two games, Holtby stepped in as the Capitals starting goaltender, not being pulled for the remainder of the playoffs. Holtby helped to lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, posting a record of 16–7, a .922 save percentage, a 2.16 goals against average and two consecutive shutouts against the top seeded [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] in the Eastern Conference Finals. Holtby is remembered for a play during Game 2 of the [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals]], in which he made a sprawling stick save on an open-net shot by [[Vegas Golden Knights]] forward [[Alex Tuch]]. If Tuch had scored, the Golden Knights would have tied the game with two minutes remaining in the third period.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maese |first1=Rick |title=Braden Holtby's must-see save for Capitals 'maybe the save of a lifetime' |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2018/05/31/braden-holtbys-must-see-save-for-capitals-maybe-the-save-of-a-lifetime.html |access-date=July 30, 2018 |publisher=Toronto Star |date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> Many people refer to Holtby's stick save as "The Save". Holtby finished third in [[Conn Smythe Trophy]] voting as playoff MVP, tied with Golden Knights goaltender [[Marc-André Fleury]], behind only teammates [[Alexander Ovechkin]] and [[Evgeny Kuznetsov]], the former of which won the trophy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/conn-smythe-trophy-voting-2018-alex-ovechkin/c-299002110 |title=Ovechkin Easy Winner in Conn Smythe Trophy Voting |publisher=NHL.com |date=June 8, 2018|access-date=August 10, 2018}}</ref>
During the [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18 season]], Holtby became the second fastest NHL goaltender to record 200 career wins behind [[Ken Dryden]]. He recorded this feat on November 10, 2017, when the Capitals beat the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] 4–1.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gulitti |first1=Tom |title=Capitals goalie Holtby honored to be mentioned with Dryden |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-goalie-braden-holtby-reaches-200-wins/c-292864670 |website=NHL.com|access-date=November 12, 2017 |date=November 11, 2017}}</ref> He was also named an NHL All-Star for the third consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Holtby Selected to Participate in 2018 NHL All-Star Game |url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/holtby-selected-to-participate-in-2018-nhl-all-star-game/c-294844044 |website=NHL.com |access-date=July 30, 2018 |date=January 10, 2018}}</ref> Holtby ended the season with a 34–16–4 record in 54 games played as the Capitals finished the season as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Capitals' head coach [[Barry Trotz]] opted to choose back-up goaltender [[Philipp Grubauer]] to start the [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs|2018 playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gulitti |first1=Tom |title=Grubauer to start Game 1 for Capitals against Blue Jackets |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/philipp-grubauer-to-start-game-1-for-capitals/c-297859086 |website=NHL.com |access-date=July 30, 2018 |date=April 10, 2018}}</ref> After Grubauer struggled against the seventh-seeded [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] in the first two games, Holtby stepped in as the Capitals starting goaltender, not being pulled for the remainder of the playoffs. Holtby helped to lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, posting a record of 16–7, a .922 save percentage, a 2.16 goals against average and two consecutive shutouts against the top-seeded [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] in the Eastern Conference Finals. Holtby is remembered for a play during Game 2 of the [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals]], in which he made a sprawling stick save on an open-net shot by [[Vegas Golden Knights]] forward [[Alex Tuch]]. If Tuch had scored, the Golden Knights would have tied the game with two minutes remaining in the third period.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maese |first1=Rick |title=Braden Holtby's must-see save for Capitals 'maybe the save of a lifetime' |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2018/05/31/braden-holtbys-must-see-save-for-capitals-maybe-the-save-of-a-lifetime.html |access-date=July 30, 2018 |publisher=Toronto Star |date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> Many people refer to Holtby's stick save as "The Save". Holtby finished third in [[Conn Smythe Trophy]] voting as playoff MVP, tied with Golden Knights goaltender [[Marc-André Fleury]], behind only teammates winger and captain [[Alexander Ovechkin]] and centre [[Evgeny Kuznetsov]], the former of which won the trophy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/conn-smythe-trophy-voting-2018-alex-ovechkin/c-299002110 |title=Ovechkin Easy Winner in Conn Smythe Trophy Voting |publisher=NHL.com |date=June 8, 2018|access-date=August 10, 2018}}</ref>


After starting the [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19 season]] slowly with a 3.62 GAA with a .888 save percentage in 13 games,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/game-preview-pens-caps/c-301695268 |title=Game Preview: Pens-Caps |last=Sam |first=Kasan |date=November 7, 2018 |website=NHL.com |language=en-US|access-date=November 7, 2018}}</ref> Holtby made 41 of 42 saves in a 2–1 win on November 7, 2018, over the Pittsburgh Penguins.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://novacapsfans.com/2018/11/07/capitals-beat-penguins-2-1-t-j-oshie-scores-game-winner/ |title=Capitals Beat Penguins 2-1; T.J. Oshie Scores Game-Winner |last=Sorensen |first=Jon |date=November 8, 2018 |work=NoVa Caps|access-date=November 8, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref>
After starting the [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19 season]] slowly with a 3.62 GAA with a .888 save percentage in 13 games,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/game-preview-pens-caps/c-301695268 |title=Game Preview: Pens-Caps |last=Sam |first=Kasan |date=November 7, 2018 |website=NHL.com |language=en-US|access-date=November 7, 2018}}</ref> Holtby made 41 of 42 saves in a 2–1 win on November 7, 2018, over the Pittsburgh Penguins.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://novacapsfans.com/2018/11/07/capitals-beat-penguins-2-1-t-j-oshie-scores-game-winner/ |title=Capitals Beat Penguins 2-1; T.J. Oshie Scores Game-Winner |last=Sorensen |first=Jon |date=November 8, 2018 |work=NoVa Caps|access-date=November 8, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref>


On October 14, 2019, Holtby allowed three consecutive goals to start in a game versus the [[Colorado Avalanche]] before subsequently being pulled. He became the 13th goalie to give up three goals on three shots since NHL began recording stats about shots on goal in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hassett |first=Peter |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/10/15/braden-holtbys-0-game-against-the-colorado-avalanche-was-one-of-the-worst-ever/ |title=Braden Holtby's 0% game against the Colorado Avalanche was one of the worst ever |date=October 15, 2019|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref>
On October 14, 2019, Holtby allowed three consecutive goals to start in a game versus the [[Colorado Avalanche]] before subsequently being pulled. He became the 13th goaltender to give up three goals on three shots since NHL began recording stats about shots on goal in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hassett |first=Peter |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/10/15/braden-holtbys-0-game-against-the-colorado-avalanche-was-one-of-the-worst-ever/ |title=Braden Holtby's 0% game against the Colorado Avalanche was one of the worst ever |date=October 15, 2019|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref>


====Vancouver Canucks (2020–2021)====
====Vancouver Canucks (2020–2021)====
Line 63: Line 62:


====Dallas Stars (2021–2022)====
====Dallas Stars (2021–2022)====
On July 28, 2021, Holtby signed as a free agent to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Dallas Stars.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-sign-goaltender-braden-holtby-to-one-year-contract/c-325836668 |title=Stars sign Braden Holtby to one-year contract |date=July 28, 2021 |publisher=July 28, 2021 |accessdate=July 28, 2021}}</ref> On November 30, Holtby had his 293rd win, which is the most by an NHL goalie in 500 games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/dallas-stars-goalie-braden-holtby-has-unreal-three-save-sequence/c-328503804 |title=Holtby twists and kicks to make three saves for Stars in five seconds |website=NHL |date=November 30, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2021}}</ref> Due to the [[2020–21 NHL season#League business|division adjustments]] during the 2020–21 season, Holtby faced the Capitals for the first time since he left the team on January 28, 2022, in a 5–0 loss.<ref name=pell/> On March 21, Holtby was placed on the long-term injured reserve list for the Stars due to a lower body injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2022/03/22/stars-trade-deadline-wrap-braden-holtby-to-ir-john-klingberg-here-for-now-and-a-salary-cap-update/%3foutputType=amp |title=Stars trade deadline wrap: Klingberg stays, Holtby to IR and a salary cap update |website=Dallas News |date=March 22, 2022|access-date=March 23, 2022}}</ref> In the summer of 2022, it was reported that Holtby would likely miss the entire 2022–23 season and could potentially be forced to retire.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/braden-holtby-to-miss-next-season-with-injury-retirement-a-possibility-1.1824699 |title=Holtby likely to miss next season with injury, retirement a possibility - TSN.ca |date=July 12, 2022}}</ref> Ultimately, Holtby did not play the following two seasons.
On July 28, 2021, Holtby signed as a free agent to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Dallas Stars.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-sign-goaltender-braden-holtby-to-one-year-contract/c-325836668 |title=Stars sign Braden Holtby to one-year contract |date=July 28, 2021 |publisher=July 28, 2021 |accessdate=July 28, 2021}}</ref> On November 30, Holtby had his 293rd win, which is the most by an NHL goaltender in 500 games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/dallas-stars-goalie-braden-holtby-has-unreal-three-save-sequence/c-328503804 |title=Holtby twists and kicks to make three saves for Stars in five seconds |website=NHL |date=November 30, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2021}}</ref> Due to the [[2020–21 NHL season#League business|division adjustments]] during the 2020–21 season, Holtby faced the Capitals for the first time since he left the team on January 28, 2022, in a 5–0 loss.<ref name=pell/> On March 21, Holtby was placed on the long-term injured reserve list for the Stars due to a lower body injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2022/03/22/stars-trade-deadline-wrap-braden-holtby-to-ir-john-klingberg-here-for-now-and-a-salary-cap-update/%3foutputType=amp |title=Stars trade deadline wrap: Klingberg stays, Holtby to IR and a salary cap update |website=Dallas News |date=March 22, 2022|access-date=March 23, 2022}}</ref> In the summer of 2022, it was reported that Holtby would likely miss the entire 2022–23 season and could potentially be forced to retire.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/braden-holtby-to-miss-next-season-with-injury-retirement-a-possibility-1.1824699 |title=Holtby likely to miss next season with injury, retirement a possibility - TSN.ca |date=July 12, 2022}}</ref> Ultimately, Holtby did not play the following two seasons.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Line 69: Line 68:


===Activism===
===Activism===
Holtby openly supports [[LGBTQ+]] inclusion and [[Black Lives Matter]]. He served as the Capitals' LGBTQ+-inclusion ambassador from 2017 until his departure, a position that earned him a DC Pride Ally Award from the Capital Pride Alliance, and attended the [[Capital Pride (Washington, D.C.)|Capital Pride]] parade for a number of years while in Washington.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/braden-holtby-proud-to-be-hockey-is-for-everyone-ambassador/c-295849708 |title=Holtby finds Capitals gain as ambassador |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=February 11, 2018 |publisher=NHL|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/02/03/braden-holtby-named-washington-capitals-lgbt-inclusion-ambassador/ |title=Braden Holtby named Washington Capitals' LGBT-inclusion ambassador |date=February 3, 2017 |last=Cooper |first=Mariah |publisher=Washington Blade|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref name=award>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2017/04/20/braden-holtby-to-receive-dc-pride-ally-award-for-work-in-lgbtq-visibility-in-hockey/ |title=Braden Holtby to receive DC Pride Ally Award for work in LGBTQ visibility in hockey |last=Dement |first=Madeline |date=April 20, 2017 |publisher=Russian Machine Never Breaks|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> He credits his dedication to LGBTQ+ issues to stumbling upon a [[Human Rights Campaign]] (HRC) Action Center housed in [[Harvey Milk]]'s home in [[San Francisco]] while on his honeymoon.<ref name=award/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2016/06/08/braden-holtbys-lgbt-support-goes-beyond-a-parade/ |title=Braden Holtby's LGBT support goes beyond a parade |date=June 8, 2016 |last=Steinberg |first=Dan |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref name=nbc2>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/encouraged-his-wife-braden-holtby-continues-actively-championing-lgbtq-community |title=Encouraged by his wife, Braden Holtby continues actively championing the LGBTQ community |last=McNally |first=Brian |date=February 13, 2019 |publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=July 16, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214123308/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/encouraged-his-wife-braden-holtby-continues-actively-championing-lgbtq-community|archivedate=February 14, 2019}}</ref> In 2018, he spoke at the HRC's annual dinner, where he introduced [[Adam Rippon]]; the following year, he headed a fundraiser with [[Ted Leonsis#Business career|Monumental Sports]] and raised $18,300 benefitting HRC.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2018/09/21/braden-holtby-delivered-really-powerful-message-human-rights-campaign-dinner/ |title=Braden Holtby delivered 'really powerful' message at Human Rights Campaign dinner |last=Allen |first=Scott |date=September 21, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 12, 2022}}</ref><ref name=nbc2/> He was one of three Capitals players (the others being [[Brett Connolly]] and [[Devante Smith-Pelly]]) who declined to visit the White House during the [[Presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] after [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals|winning the Stanley Cup]], an NHL tradition, saying he needed to "stay true to [his] values."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.outsports.com/2019/3/24/18277870/braden-holtby-politely-turns-his-back-on-white-house-invitation |title=Four Washington Capitals players showed LGBTQ support at HRC dinner |last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |date=September 18, 2018 |publisher=Out Sports|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/26332058/caps-g-holtby-declines-white-house-invitation |title=Caps G Holtby declines White House invitation |date=March 22, 2019 |last=Wyshynski |first=Greg |publisher=ESPN|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref>
Holtby openly supports [[LGBTQ+]] inclusion and [[Black Lives Matter]]. He served as the Capitals' LGBTQ+-inclusion ambassador from 2017 until his departure, a position that earned him a DC Pride Ally Award from the Capital Pride Alliance, and attended the [[Capital Pride (Washington, D.C.)|Capital Pride]] parade for a number of years while in Washington.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/braden-holtby-proud-to-be-hockey-is-for-everyone-ambassador/c-295849708 |title=Holtby finds Capitals gain as ambassador |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=February 11, 2018 |publisher=NHL|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/02/03/braden-holtby-named-washington-capitals-lgbt-inclusion-ambassador/ |title=Braden Holtby named Washington Capitals' LGBT-inclusion ambassador |date=February 3, 2017 |last=Cooper |first=Mariah |publisher=Washington Blade|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref name=award>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2017/04/20/braden-holtby-to-receive-dc-pride-ally-award-for-work-in-lgbtq-visibility-in-hockey/ |title=Braden Holtby to receive DC Pride Ally Award for work in LGBTQ visibility in hockey |last=Dement |first=Madeline |date=April 20, 2017 |publisher=Russian Machine Never Breaks|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> He credits his dedication to LGBTQ+ issues to stumbling upon a [[Human Rights Campaign]] (HRC) Action Center housed in [[Harvey Milk]]'s home in [[San Francisco]] while on his honeymoon.<ref name=award/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2016/06/08/braden-holtbys-lgbt-support-goes-beyond-a-parade/ |title=Braden Holtby's LGBT support goes beyond a parade |date=June 8, 2016 |last=Steinberg |first=Dan |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref name=nbc2>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/encouraged-his-wife-braden-holtby-continues-actively-championing-lgbtq-community |title=Encouraged by his wife, Braden Holtby continues actively championing the LGBTQ community |last=McNally |first=Brian |date=February 13, 2019 |publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=July 16, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214123308/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/encouraged-his-wife-braden-holtby-continues-actively-championing-lgbtq-community|archivedate=February 14, 2019}}</ref> In 2018, he spoke at the HRC's annual dinner, where he introduced [[Adam Rippon]]; the following year, he headed a fundraiser with [[Ted Leonsis#Business career|Monumental Sports]] and raised $18,300 benefitting HRC.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2018/09/21/braden-holtby-delivered-really-powerful-message-human-rights-campaign-dinner/ |title=Braden Holtby delivered 'really powerful' message at Human Rights Campaign dinner |last=Allen |first=Scott |date=September 21, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 12, 2022}}</ref><ref name=nbc2/> He was one of three Capitals players (the others being [[Brett Connolly]] and [[Devante Smith-Pelly]]) who declined to visit the White House during the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] after [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals|winning the Stanley Cup]], an NHL tradition, saying he needed to "stay true to [his] values."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.outsports.com/2019/3/24/18277870/braden-holtby-politely-turns-his-back-on-white-house-invitation |title=Four Washington Capitals players showed LGBTQ support at HRC dinner |last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |date=September 18, 2018 |publisher=Out Sports|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/26332058/caps-g-holtby-declines-white-house-invitation |title=Caps G Holtby declines White House invitation |date=March 22, 2019 |last=Wyshynski |first=Greg |publisher=ESPN|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref>


Following the [[murder of George Floyd]] and the subsequent [[George Floyd protests|protests]], Holtby posted on Twitter for the first time in three years to show his support for the [[Black Lives Matter]] movement, recognizing himself as someone in the "[[white privilege]]d category," and urging others to speak up.<ref name=nbc>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/sport-which-silence-norm-braden-holtby-continues-be-voice-change |title=Braden Holtby on his response to the protests and social media |date=June 5, 2020 |publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=July 16, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609172750/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/sport-which-silence-norm-braden-holtby-continues-be-voice-change|archivedate=June 9, 2020}}</ref> He and his wife held an auction during the summer of 2020 and raised nearly $40,000 for Black Lives Matter DC and the [[Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://novacapsfans.com/2020/06/12/braden-brandi-holtbys-get-off-the-bench-for-racial-equality-auction-raises-39400/ |title=Braden & Brandi Holtby's "Get Off The Bench for Racial Equality" Auction Raises $39,400 |last=Young |first=Della |date=June 12, 2020 |publisher=Nova Caps|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref>
Following the [[murder of George Floyd]] and the subsequent [[George Floyd protests|protests]], Holtby posted on Twitter for the first time in three years to show his support for the [[Black Lives Matter]] movement, recognizing himself as someone in the "[[white privilege]]d category," and urging others to speak up.<ref name=nbc>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/sport-which-silence-norm-braden-holtby-continues-be-voice-change |title=Braden Holtby on his response to the protests and social media |date=June 5, 2020 |publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=July 16, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609172750/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/sport-which-silence-norm-braden-holtby-continues-be-voice-change|archivedate=June 9, 2020}}</ref> He and his wife held an auction during the summer of 2020 and raised nearly $40,000 for Black Lives Matter DC and the [[Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://novacapsfans.com/2020/06/12/braden-brandi-holtbys-get-off-the-bench-for-racial-equality-auction-raises-39400/ |title=Braden & Brandi Holtby's "Get Off The Bench for Racial Equality" Auction Raises $39,400 |last=Young |first=Della |date=June 12, 2020 |publisher=Nova Caps|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 19:31, 7 November 2024

Braden Holtby
Holtby with the Washington Capitals in April 2018
Born (1989-09-16) September 16, 1989 (age 35)
Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 215 lb (98 kg; 15 st 5 lb)
Position Goaltender
Catches Left
NHL team
Former teams		 Free agent
Washington Capitals
Vancouver Canucks
Dallas Stars
National team  Canada
NHL draft 93rd overall, 2008
Washington Capitals
Playing career 2009–present

Braden Holtby (born September 16, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He previously played for the Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fourth round, 93rd overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Capitals, with whom he spent the first ten seasons of his career.

After a couple years of development, Holtby became the Capitals' starting goaltender during the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season. Beginning during the 2014–15 season, Holtby won at least 40 games in three consecutive seasons. In 2016, Holtby tied the league record for most wins by a goaltender in a single season (shared with Martin Brodeur) with 48 and was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender. The following year, he won the William M. Jennings Trophy for helping the Capitals allow the fewest goals in the league. In 2018, Holtby backstopped the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

Playing career

[edit]

Junior

[edit]

Holtby spent his junior career with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The Blades struggled through his first two seasons with the team, and Holtby managed only 42 wins in 115 games. However, in his last WHL season, after being drafted by the Capitals in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Holtby nearly equaled his wins total from the previous two seasons, posting a much-improved 40 wins in 61 games.

Professional

[edit]

Washington Capitals (2010–2020)

[edit]

In 2009, Holtby made the jump to professional hockey and split the season between the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays and the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL). He posted an impressive 24 wins in 37 games for the Bears, with a 2.32 goals against average (GAA) and .917 save percentage. He won seven of 12 games with the Stingrays, and represented South Carolina in that season's ECHL All-Star Game.[1]

Holtby made his NHL debut on November 5, 2010, against the Boston Bruins at the Verizon Center. After replacing Michal Neuvirth with ten minutes remaining and the game tied 3–3, Holtby stopped four Bruins shots as the Capitals scored two goals to give him the win.[2] Holtby made his first NHL start two days later against the Philadelphia Flyers, a game the Capitals won 3–2 in overtime.[3] Holtby recorded his first NHL shutout on March 9, 2011, stopping 22 shots in a 5–0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.[4] After posting a 4–0–0 record, a 1.05 GAA and a .965 save percentage, Holtby was named the NHL's First Star of the Week for the week ending March 13, 2011.[5] On March 27, 2011, Holtby was assigned to Hershey, despite a 10–2–2 record in 14 starts.[6]

Holtby with the Capitals in May 2012

He returned in the last game of the 2011–12 season after injuries to starter Tomáš Vokoun and backup Michal Neuvirth.[7] Holtby started Game 1 of the 2012 playoffs against the defending Stanley Cup champion and second-seeded Boston Bruins, saving 29 of 30 shots in a 1–0 overtime loss.[8] In Game 2, Holtby stopped 43 of 44 shots in a 2–1 double overtime win to tie the series at 1–1.[9] Washington head coach Dale Hunter decided to start Holtby for the next game, even though Neuvirth and Vokoun would be available in the playoffs, stating, "Holtby's our goalie." Holtby went on to aid the Capitals in upsetting the Bruins, stopping all but one of the shots he faced in a Game 7 to beat the Bruins 2–1 in overtime. He continued his sensational play against the top-seeded New York Rangers, splitting two road games in New York and stopping all shots he faced until late in a triple overtime game that saw the Capitals fall 2–1. Holtby continued his impressive goaltending by beating the Rangers in Game 4 to tie the series at 2–2. However, he was not as stellar in Game 5, allowing the game-tying goal with 6.6 seconds left in the game and then giving up the losing goal in overtime. After the game, Holtby stated, "I didn't see a thing."[10] After the loss, Holtby rebounded by making 30 saves in Game 6, with the Capitals winning 2–1 and forcing the decisive Game 7. On May 12, Holtby started in his second career Game 7. One minute and 32 seconds into the game, Brad Richards of the Rangers blasted a slap shot past Holtby, making the score 1–0 early in. Holtby was able to shake it off, however, and play a solid game, finishing with 29 saves, though the Capitals were ultimately unable to beat the Rangers in the final period, losing Game 7.

After his impressive playoff performances as a rookie, Holtby was rewarded with the starting goaltender's job for the 2012–13 season, as named by Washington's new head coach, Adam Oates. On February 25, 2013, just over a month after the lockout-shortened season commenced, Holtby agreed to a two-year, $3.7 million contract extension with the Capitals.[11]

On April 8, 2015, Holtby shut-out the Boston Bruins, 3–0, and having already shut-out Boston in his previous two games in the 2014–15 season, he became the first goaltender to ever perform a season-sweep of three or more games against Boston without a single goal allowed. This victory would also give him 41 wins on the season, tying him with Olaf Kölzig for most in a single season in Capitals history.[12] On May 4, 2015, Holtby shut-out the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers, 1–0, to capture a 2–1 playoff lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Capitals lost the series to the New York Rangers 2–1 in overtime in a game 7, despite being up 3–1 earlier in the series.

Following the 2014–15 NHL season Holtby became a restricted free agent under the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Washington Capitals made him a qualifying offer to retain his NHL rights and, on July 5, 2015, Holtby filed for Salary Arbitration.[13] On July 24, it was announced by the team that Holtby had signed a 5-year, $30.5 million contract.[14][15] On April 9, 2016, the Capitals defeated the St. Louis Blues 5–1, earning Holtby his 48th win of the season (four of which came via shootouts) and tying him with Martin Brodeur for the most wins in a single season record. He achieved the mark with 66 game starts throughout the 2015–16 NHL season.[16] After the season ended, Holtby won the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender. Holtby was also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player judged by the NHLPA and the award ultimately went to Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane.[17]

Holtby with the Capitals in April 2016.

On March 28, 2017, Holtby earned his 40th win of the season when the Capitals beat the Minnesota Wild 5–4 in overtime. This win made Holtby the third goaltender in league history to record at least 40 wins in three consecutive seasons, joining Brodeur (2005–08) and Evgeni Nabokov (2007–10).[18]

During the 2017–18 season, Holtby became the second fastest NHL goaltender to record 200 career wins behind Ken Dryden. He recorded this feat on November 10, 2017, when the Capitals beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4–1.[19] He was also named an NHL All-Star for the third consecutive season.[20] Holtby ended the season with a 34–16–4 record in 54 games played as the Capitals finished the season as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Capitals' head coach Barry Trotz opted to choose back-up goaltender Philipp Grubauer to start the 2018 playoffs.[21] After Grubauer struggled against the seventh-seeded Columbus Blue Jackets in the first two games, Holtby stepped in as the Capitals starting goaltender, not being pulled for the remainder of the playoffs. Holtby helped to lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, posting a record of 16–7, a .922 save percentage, a 2.16 goals against average and two consecutive shutouts against the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals. Holtby is remembered for a play during Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals, in which he made a sprawling stick save on an open-net shot by Vegas Golden Knights forward Alex Tuch. If Tuch had scored, the Golden Knights would have tied the game with two minutes remaining in the third period.[22] Many people refer to Holtby's stick save as "The Save". Holtby finished third in Conn Smythe Trophy voting as playoff MVP, tied with Golden Knights goaltender Marc-André Fleury, behind only teammates winger and captain Alexander Ovechkin and centre Evgeny Kuznetsov, the former of which won the trophy.[23]

After starting the 2018–19 season slowly with a 3.62 GAA with a .888 save percentage in 13 games,[24] Holtby made 41 of 42 saves in a 2–1 win on November 7, 2018, over the Pittsburgh Penguins.[25]

On October 14, 2019, Holtby allowed three consecutive goals to start in a game versus the Colorado Avalanche before subsequently being pulled. He became the 13th goaltender to give up three goals on three shots since NHL began recording stats about shots on goal in the 1980s.[26]

Vancouver Canucks (2020–2021)

[edit]

On October 9, 2020, Holtby signed a two-year, $8.6 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks.[27] In the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season, Holtby, after initially sharing the net with Thatcher Demko, was relegated as the club's clear backup option and finished with a 7–11–3 record in 21 games and posting a 3.67 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage, his highest GAA and lowest save percentage of his 11-season NHL career.

Holtby was exposed by the Canucks in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft and, after going unclaimed, he was placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract on July 27, 2021.[28] He cleared waivers and the Canucks bought out his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Dallas Stars (2021–2022)

[edit]

On July 28, 2021, Holtby signed as a free agent to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Dallas Stars.[29] On November 30, Holtby had his 293rd win, which is the most by an NHL goaltender in 500 games.[30] Due to the division adjustments during the 2020–21 season, Holtby faced the Capitals for the first time since he left the team on January 28, 2022, in a 5–0 loss.[31] On March 21, Holtby was placed on the long-term injured reserve list for the Stars due to a lower body injury.[32] In the summer of 2022, it was reported that Holtby would likely miss the entire 2022–23 season and could potentially be forced to retire.[33] Ultimately, Holtby did not play the following two seasons.

Personal life

[edit]

Holtby was born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, but was raised in Marshall, Saskatchewan. Holtby and his wife Brandi (née Bodnar) have two children and resided in Alexandria, Virginia for the 10 years he played for Washington.[34][35] They relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia after he signed with the Canucks for the 2020–21 season, then to Dallas when he joined the Stars.[31][36] During their move to Vancouver, Holtby was stopped at the border by Federal Fish and Wildlife due to missing paperwork that would allow the family's two pet tortoises, Honey and Maple, to cross into Canada.[37][38] Despite selling their home in Alexandria, the Holtbys purchased a home in Washington, D.C., within two years of signing elsewhere and planned to live there after he retires.[39][31]

Activism

[edit]

Holtby openly supports LGBTQ+ inclusion and Black Lives Matter. He served as the Capitals' LGBTQ+-inclusion ambassador from 2017 until his departure, a position that earned him a DC Pride Ally Award from the Capital Pride Alliance, and attended the Capital Pride parade for a number of years while in Washington.[40][41][42] He credits his dedication to LGBTQ+ issues to stumbling upon a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Action Center housed in Harvey Milk's home in San Francisco while on his honeymoon.[42][43][44] In 2018, he spoke at the HRC's annual dinner, where he introduced Adam Rippon; the following year, he headed a fundraiser with Monumental Sports and raised $18,300 benefitting HRC.[45][44] He was one of three Capitals players (the others being Brett Connolly and Devante Smith-Pelly) who declined to visit the White House during the Trump administration after winning the Stanley Cup, an NHL tradition, saying he needed to "stay true to [his] values."[46][47]

Following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests, Holtby posted on Twitter for the first time in three years to show his support for the Black Lives Matter movement, recognizing himself as someone in the "white privileged category," and urging others to speak up.[48] He and his wife held an auction during the summer of 2020 and raised nearly $40,000 for Black Lives Matter DC and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.[49]

In late 2020, artist David Gunnarsson revealed Holtby's first custom Canucks mask, which featured a thunderbird.[50] Following pushback on the design for culturally appropriating First Nations communities, the mask was pulled and Holtby appeared on CTV News to apologize and share that he would not wear the mask.[51] Gunnarson and Coast Salish artist Luke Marston collaborated on his new mask, which featured the legend of the Gonakadet, or Sea-Wolf, which stresses the importance of family units traveling and hunting together.[52][53]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]

Bold indicates led league

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L OT MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2005–06 Saskatoon Blades WHL 1 0 1 0 59 4 0 4.07 .925 — — — — — — — —
2006–07 Saskatoon Blades WHL 51 17 29 3 2725 146 0 3.21 .895 — — — — — — — —
2007–08 Saskatoon Blades WHL 64 25 29 8 3632 172 1 2.84 .908 — — — — — — — —
2008–09 Saskatoon Blades WHL 61 40 16 4 3571 156 6 2.62 .910 7 3 4 414 16 0 2.32 .912
2009–10 Hershey Bears AHL 37 25 8 2 2146 83 2 2.32 .917 3 2 1 200 12 0 3.60 .857
2009–10 South Carolina Stingrays ECHL 12 7 2 3 712 35 0 2.95 .911 — — — — — — — —
2010–11 Hershey Bears AHL 30 17 10 2 1785 68 5 2.29 .920 6 2 4 359 18 0 3.01 .893
2010–11 Washington Capitals NHL 14 10 2 2 735 22 2 1.79 .934 — — — — — — — —
2011–12 Hershey Bears AHL 40 20 15 2 2322 101 3 2.61 .906 — — — — — — — —
2011–12 Washington Capitals NHL 7 4 2 1 361 15 1 2.49 .922 14 7 7 922 30 0 1.95 .935
2012–13 Hershey Bears AHL 25 12 12 1 1458 52 4 2.14 .932 — — — — — — — —
2012–13 Washington Capitals NHL 36 23 12 1 2089 90 4 2.58 .920 7 3 4 433 16 1 2.22 .922
2013–14 Washington Capitals NHL 48 23 15 4 2656 126 4 2.85 .915 — — — — — — — —
2014–15 Washington Capitals NHL 73 41 20 10 4247 157 9 2.22 .923 13 6 7 806 23 1 1.71 .944
2015–16 Washington Capitals NHL 66 48 9 7 3841 141 3 2.20 .922 12 6 6 732 21 2 1.72 .942
2016–17 Washington Capitals NHL 63 42 13 6 3681 127 9 2.07 .925 13 7 6 804 33 0 2.47 .909
2017–18 Washington Capitals NHL 54 34 16 4 3068 153 0 2.99 .907 23 16 7 1386 50 2 2.16 .922
2018–19 Washington Capitals NHL 59 32 19 5 3407 160 3 2.82 .911 7 3 4 449 20 1 2.67 .914
2019–20 Washington Capitals NHL 48 25 14 6 2744 142 0 3.11 .897 8 2 5 483 20 0 2.48 .906
2020–21 Vancouver Canucks NHL 21 7 11 3 1260 77 0 3.67 .889 — — — — — — — —
2021–22 Dallas Stars NHL 24 10 10 1 1319 61 0 2.78 .913 — — — — — — — —
NHL totals 513 299 143 50 29,408 1,271 35 2.59 .915 97 50 46 6,013 213 7 2.13 .926
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
Canada Cup / World Cup
Gold medal – first place 2016 Toronto

International

[edit]
Year Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2007 Canada U18 1 — — — — 2 0 13.58 .833
Junior totals 1 — — — — 2 0 13.58 .833

Awards and honors

[edit]
Awards Year
WHL
East first All-Star team 2009
NHL
Stanley Cup champion 2018
NHL All-Star 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Vezina Trophy 2016
William M. Jennings Trophy 2017
NHL first All-Star team 2016
NHL second All-Star team 2017
International
World Cup of Hockey gold medal 2016

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Capitals Recall Braden Holtby, Assign Michal Neuvirth to Hershey". Washington Capitals. January 31, 2010. Archived from the original on January 8, 2011. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  2. ^ Carrera, Katie (June 11, 2010). "Washington Capitals beat Boston Bruins, 5–3, after blowing three-goal lead". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
  3. ^ "Green's OT winner makes Capitals G Braden Holtby a winner in his first NHL Bruins rock start". The Hockey News. July 11, 2010. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  4. ^ "Ovechkin's three points help Caps blank Oilers". TSN. March 9, 2011. Archived from the original on March 14, 2011. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  5. ^ "Caps' Holtby tops 'Three Stars' of the week". NHL.com. March 14, 2011. Archived from the original on March 15, 2011. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  6. ^ "Caps send Holtby back to Hershey". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  7. ^ "Braden Holtby makes 35 saves to help Caps down Rangers". ESPN. Associated Press. April 7, 2012. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  8. ^ Golen, Jimmy (April 12, 2012). "Kelly ends it in overtime as Bruins beat Caps 1-0". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  9. ^ Golen, Jimmy (April 14, 2012). "Backstrom gives Caps 2-1 win over Bruins in 2OT". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  10. ^ Stephen Whyno (May 7, 2012). "Caps lose lead in final 7 seconds, fall early in OT". The Washington Times.
  11. ^ Brough, Jason (February 25, 2013). "Caps give Holtby two-year, $3.7 million contract extension". nbcsports.com. NBC Sports. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  12. ^ Valentine, Harvey. "Holtby Blanks Bruins Again, Capitals Win 3-0". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  13. ^ "Twenty-three players elect salary arbitration". NHL.com. July 5, 2015. Archived from the original on July 6, 2015. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  14. ^ Caps PR. (July 24, 2015). "Capitals Re-sign Braden Holtby". capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com. Arlington, Va. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  15. ^ Brown, Katie (July 24, 2015). "Capitals sign goaltender Holtby to five-year contract". NHL.com. Arlington, Va: NHL. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  16. ^ Isabelle Khurshudyan (April 9, 2016). "Braden Holtby ties wins record, Alex Ovechkin nets hat trick for 50 goals, and Caps top Blues". The Washington Post.
  17. ^ AP (May 6, 2016). "Jamie Benn, Braden Holtby, Patrick Kane are Ted Lindsay Award finalists". usatoday.com. USA Today. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  18. ^ "Braden Holtby Earns 40th Win of the Season". NHL.com. March 28, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  19. ^ Gulitti, Tom (November 11, 2017). "Capitals goalie Holtby honored to be mentioned with Dryden". NHL.com. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  20. ^ "Holtby Selected to Participate in 2018 NHL All-Star Game". NHL.com. January 10, 2018. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  21. ^ Gulitti, Tom (April 10, 2018). "Grubauer to start Game 1 for Capitals against Blue Jackets". NHL.com. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  22. ^ Maese, Rick (May 31, 2018). "Braden Holtby's must-see save for Capitals 'maybe the save of a lifetime'". Toronto Star. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  23. ^ "Ovechkin Easy Winner in Conn Smythe Trophy Voting". NHL.com. June 8, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  24. ^ Sam, Kasan (November 7, 2018). "Game Preview: Pens-Caps". NHL.com. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  25. ^ Sorensen, Jon (November 8, 2018). "Capitals Beat Penguins 2-1; T.J. Oshie Scores Game-Winner". NoVa Caps. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  26. ^ Hassett, Peter (October 15, 2019). "Braden Holtby's 0% game against the Colorado Avalanche was one of the worst ever". Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  27. ^ "Holtby signs two-year contract with Canucks". nhl.com. October 9, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  28. ^ "Holtby will have contract bought out by Canucks". National Hockey League. July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  29. ^ "Stars sign Braden Holtby to one-year contract". July 28, 2021. July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  30. ^ "Holtby twists and kicks to make three saves for Stars in five seconds". NHL. November 30, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  31. ^ a b c Pell, Samantha (January 29, 2022). "Braden Holtby, who grew up with the Caps, reflects on a place that is forever home". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  32. ^ "Stars trade deadline wrap: Klingberg stays, Holtby to IR and a salary cap update". Dallas News. March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  33. ^ "Holtby likely to miss next season with injury, retirement a possibility - TSN.ca". July 12, 2022.
  34. ^ "Braden Holtby's fiancee gives birth to a baby boy". The Washington Post. May 12, 2012.
  35. ^ "Braden Holtby, Wife Have Second Child, Belle Scarlett Holtby". Russian Machine Never Breaks. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  36. ^ Pell, Samantha (October 9, 2020). "Braden Holtby says goodbye to Washington, signs two-year deal with Vancouver Canucks". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  37. ^ Cartagena, Rosa (November 20, 2020). "Braden Holtby Apparently Got Stuck at the Canadian Border Because of His Pet Tortoises". Washingtonian. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  38. ^ McCarriston, Shanna (November 19, 2020). "Canucks' Braden Holtby stuck at U.S.-Canada border with his two pet tortoises". CBS. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  39. ^ Oland, Ian (January 31, 2022). "Braden Holtby bought a new house in the area: Washington DC 'is home for me'". Russian Machine Never Breaks. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  40. ^ Gulitti, Tom (February 11, 2018). "Holtby finds Capitals gain as ambassador". NHL. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  41. ^ Cooper, Mariah (February 3, 2017). "Braden Holtby named Washington Capitals' LGBT-inclusion ambassador". Washington Blade. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  42. ^ a b Dement, Madeline (April 20, 2017). "Braden Holtby to receive DC Pride Ally Award for work in LGBTQ visibility in hockey". Russian Machine Never Breaks. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  43. ^ Steinberg, Dan (June 8, 2016). "Braden Holtby's LGBT support goes beyond a parade". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  44. ^ a b McNally, Brian (February 13, 2019). "Encouraged by his wife, Braden Holtby continues actively championing the LGBTQ community". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on February 14, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  45. ^ Allen, Scott (September 21, 2018). "Braden Holtby delivered 'really powerful' message at Human Rights Campaign dinner". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  46. ^ Zeigler, Cyd (September 18, 2018). "Four Washington Capitals players showed LGBTQ support at HRC dinner". Out Sports. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  47. ^ Wyshynski, Greg (March 22, 2019). "Caps G Holtby declines White House invitation". ESPN. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  48. ^ "Braden Holtby on his response to the protests and social media". NBC Sports. June 5, 2020. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  49. ^ Young, Della (June 12, 2020). "Braden & Brandi Holtby's "Get Off The Bench for Racial Equality" Auction Raises $39,400". Nova Caps. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  50. ^ Laing, Zach (December 12, 2020). "Vancouver Canucks goaltender Braden Holtby issues apology over new mask after artwork accused of cultural appropriation". Canucks Army. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  51. ^ Oland, Ian (December 13, 2020). "Braden Holtby apologizes for appropriating First Nations artwork on new mask, won't wear it next season". Russian Machine Never Breaks. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  52. ^ Schisler, Cole (January 14, 2021). "B.C. Coast Salish artist designs new mask for Canucks goalie". Vic News. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  53. ^ "Canucks reveal Holtby's new mask designed with Coast Salish artist". SportsNet. January 13, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
[edit]
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Winner of the Vezina Trophy
2016 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Winner of the William M. Jennings Trophy
2017 		Succeeded by
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