Theodore will be Capitals' playoff goalie

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -Jose Theodore will be the playoff goaltender for the top-seeded Washington Capitals.

Coach Bruce Boudreau ended the suspense by making the announcement after Tuesday morning's practice.

Theodore will start Thursday's opener in the first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens. Unlike last year, Boudreau said Theodore will not be on a short leash.

Theodore was benched after one game of last year's playoffs and replaced by Semyon Varlamov.