WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Capitals have recalled goaltender Braden Holtby and forward Joel Rechlicz from AHL Hershey.
With Tomas Vokoun missing Sunday's 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers and Monday's morning skate with an illness, Holtby will likely be used as Michal Neuvirth's back-up. Per the league's collective bargaining agreement, teams can exceed the 23-man roster limit twice per season to make an emergency goaltender recall.
With that being said, Vokoun does not need to be placed on injured reserve to make room for Holtby, who is making his first appearance of the season. Holtby appeared in 14 games for Washington last season, going 10-2-2. This season, Holtby is 18-11-1 with a 2.55 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.
Meanwhile, this will be Rechlicz's second stint in Washington. He signed an entry-level deal January 30 and appeared in two games January 31 and February 1, totaling just 4:26 of ice time.
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