Capitals' Holtby won't play in Olympics without NHL involvement
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports / USA TODAY Sports
Braden Holtby won't be following in his renegade captain's footsteps.
After Alex Ovechkin reiterated his stance on Olympic participation Tuesday - stating he would go despite the league's announcement that the NHL won't shut down to allow players to go - the Washington Capitals goaltender noted he wouldn't go quite as far:
Braden Holtby says he couldn't leave his team for #Olympics as things stand now. Biggest goal has always been winning a Stanley Cup.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) April 4, 2017
Holtby hasn't suited up for Canada at the Olympics, but was the third string netminder at September's World Cup of Hockey.
As for his Stanley Cup pursuit, Holtby and the Capitals sit atop the NHL standings with 112 points and can clinch the Metropolitan Division on Tuesday.