Braden Holtby had just been scored on late in the second period, and he skated over to the Washington Capitals‘ bench to talk with trainer Greg Smith. After a short discussion, backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer fastened on his mask and entered the game while Holtby went back to the locker room.
A nervous energy filled Verizon Center after the sight of Holtby taking himself out of the game. The team later announced the reason was dehydration, which Holtby has a history of experiencing.
“Playing a little bit yesterday, flying and all of those things,” Coach Barry Trotz said.