Holtby expected to be difference-maker in series comeback attempt

Braden Holtby has the full support of his head coach.

The morning after pulling his star goalie from a Game 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals bench boss Barry Trotz maintained the belief that the reigning Vezina Trophy winner will help the team climb out of a deep and troublesome series hole.

Related: Trotz doesn't regret pulling Holtby

"There's no question he's our starting goaltender," Trotz said, per Katie Brown of NHL.com. "He'll be the difference in the series."

Holtby allowed six goals on 35 shots over the first two games of the series, and sat out the third period of Game 2 in lieu of Philipp Grubauer after posting a save percentage of .829.

He'll need to be at his very best in order for the Capitals to win four games and snatch the series away from the Penguins.

Game 3 is set for Monday in Pittsburgh.