Just over a month ago, Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby was playing in the American Hockey League. In the past few weeks, he has been the backbone of one of the most surprising teams in Stanley Cup playoffs.
Being named the Capitals' starting goalie must have been swell, but it may not be the happiest news of Holtby's spring.
Holtby and his fiancee, Brandi Bodnar, are proud parents of their first child, a baby boy. Benjamin Hunter Holtby was born Thursday, and little guy's middle name is not a tribute to Caps coach Dale Hunter. (Puck Daddy reports it's Holtby's mother's maiden name.)
For those who have followed Holtby's Twitter handle closely during the playoffs, this should not come as a surprise. After the Caps' win in Game 5 of the first round against the Boston Bruins on April 21, Bodnar (@bbodnar) tweeted:
Holtby has a .935 save percentage and a 1.95 goals-against average in the playoffs. He led the Capitals to a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Wednesday. The Saskatchewan native made 30 saves.
Papa Holtby, 22, will be back on the ice Saturday in the decisive Game 7 versus the Rangers.
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