Holtby breaks down Winter Classic experience

Tuesday, 01.06.2015 / 6:40 PM
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Holtby breaks down Winter Classic experience

Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby called into NHL Live to discuss the experience of playing in the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic.

Troy Brouwer's power-play goal with 12.9 seconds remaining led the Capitals to a dramatic 3-2 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks at the NHL Winter Classic on New Year's Day before 42,832 at Nationals Park.

"Obviously it made it a thousand times better that we won, the experience was even better," Holtby said. It was just outstanding to see the fan support, the energy in the stadium. The weather was great. It was a great experience. To get the win the way that we did, just made it very special. I think it was a big relief to all of us that the game was over and it was in our favor."

The Capitals are 10-1-3 in their past 14 games and Holtby has played a big role in their success. He has started 15 straight games and 20 of the past 21 to help lead Washington to a 13-3-4 record during that stretch. He made 29 saves Sunday in a 4-3 win against the Florida Panthers, and takes an 18-8-6 record with a 2.30 goals-against average and .920 save percentage into the Capitals' next game Wednesday at the Toronto Maple Leafs.