The Washington Capitals started Braden Holtby in net Tuesday night over because Jaroslav Halak decided he didn't want to play against his old team the St. Louis Blues. You can’t make this stuff up.
Halak’s home sickness comes at a less than ideal time as the Captials are in the middle of a last minute playoff push. Halak’s goalie coach Olie Kolzig spoke with the Washington Post about the weird situation.
Braden Holtby will start as the Capitals attempt to keep their slim postseason hopes alive because Halak wouldn’t be “comfortable” facing his former team, according to coach Adam Oates, who discussed the decision with goaltending coach Olie Kolzig.
“We know the feelings when you go into your old stomping ground and it’s not always easy and you’re not always comfortable, at least the first time,” Oates said. “We talked to [Halak] and he just wasn’t 100 percent comfortable. Unfortunately this time of year and where we’re at, we can’t afford that and Holts has played great lately. We feel really good about that and Holts is playing.”
Halak was traded from the Blues to the Buffalo Sabres and then to the Capitals over a month ago, but it doesn't take away from the connection he clearly has for his old mates. The Capitals won the game to keep their slim hopes of playoff glory alive, but it doesn't make the situation any better for Halak who has to walk into the locker room and face his new teammates who he choose to let down.
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