Gameday: vs. Boston, Apr. 16 - Round One, Game Three

And we have a series.

The Washington Capitals will welcome the Boston Bruins to Verizon Center on Monday Night as they continue their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Stanley Cup Champions.  The series is currently tied one game to one, with both teams claiming a victory past regulation; the Capitals claimed game two with a goal from Nicklas Backstrom in the second overtime period on Saturday, which was backed by another magnificent performance from third-string goaltender Braden Holtby.  Now that the Capitals have salvaged a split on the road, winning this game is critical for maintaining that advantage and giving them a chance to make a statement against a very tough and playoff-tested team.

Tim Thomas will start in goal for Claude Julien's men, his 28th consecutive playoff start for the black and gold.  Thomas has allowed three goals in seven-plus periods this postseason for a 0.83 GAA and .964 save percentage; he also recorded a shutout in game one of this series.  Outside the crease, the Bruins will be without winger Nathan Horton (concussion), center Marc Savard (concussion) and defenseman Adam McQuaid (face/head), who is not even on the road trip and is not expected to be able to play during this series.

Dale Hunter will continue to roll with the hot hand in nets, confirming to reporters on Sunday that Braden Holtby will start in goal for the third consecutive game and is also the man in goal for his team.  Holtby has been magnificent in these playoffs so far, allowing two goals in seven plus periods for a 0.83 GAA and .974 save percentage.  On the injury front, both John Erskine and Jeff Halpern are not expected to play with what are being termed lower body injuries, though they have both skated extensively over the last two weeks.  Look for the lineup to remain the same as in games one and two, meaning Jeff Schultz in over Dmitry Orlov and Keith Aucoin in over Mike Knuble, Mattias Sjogren, and Cody Eakin.

Puck drops 7:42-ish.  No recap from me tonight because of school obligations. As always, follow me on Twitter here for news and updates.
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