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Grubauer to start tonight; ‘chances are’ Holtby, Neuvirth play soon

John Carlson, Philipp Grubauer, Tom Wilson

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson, left, and Tom Wilson (43) celebrate 3-2 win over the New York Rangers with goalie Philipp Grubauer, center, in an NHL hockey game, Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

AP

For the 12th time in the Capitals’ last 17 games, rookie goalie Philipp Grubauer will start in Washington’s net tonight.

Grubauer was solid Sunday, stopping all but one of the Sabres’ 31 shots in a 2-1 shootout loss. If he plays well tonight against the Sharks, it’s possible he’ll get the nod Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

Then again, the Caps have two other goalies on their roster, Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth.

“Chances are they’re all going to play in the next little bit,” head coach Adam Oates said this morning, per CSN Washington.

Despite what the somewhat unusual situation may lead you to think about the Caps’ goaltending, it hasn’t been all that bad this season. Overall, the team’s save percentage is .916, tied with Tampa Bay for eighth in the NHL.

You could even argue goaltending is one of the things keeping the Caps afloat. Only Toronto (36.4) has surrendered more shots per game than Washington (34.2).