After not traveling with the team to Thursday's 3-2 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals goaltender Michal Neuvirth did not practice Friday, but is expected to practice Saturday, according to head coach Bruce Boudreau.
"He's getting better," Boudreau said. "From all accounts, he should be on the ice tomorrow practicing."
Neuvirth hasn't played since last Saturday's 4-3 overtime win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Boudreau said Wednesday that Neuvirth is suffering from a "lower-body injury" and that he's listed as "day-to-day." Braden Holtby served as Tomas Vokoun's back-up Thursday, but the Caps assigned him to AHL Hershey Friday. The Bears play Friday and Saturday and Boudreau said that the expectation is that Holtby will play for Hershey Saturday.
According to Boudreau, if Neuvirth practices tomorrow and is ready to return, he will serve as Vokoun's back-up against the Ottawa Senators. If Neuvirth, however, is not physically able to play, the Caps could recall Holtby once again or Dany Sabourin.