WASHINGTON — With starting goalie Braden Holtby ill, the Washington Capitals have recalled backup Philipp Grubauer from Hershey of the AHL before Game 2 of their playoff series against the New York Islanders.
Speaking hours before Friday’s game, Capitals coach Barry Trotz said Holtby has "been under the weather since Game 1."
Washington lost the opener of the Eastern Conference first-round series 4-1 at home on Wednesday.
Asked what’s wrong with Holtby, Trotz replied: "None of your business, really."
Trotz called it "unorthodox" for Holtby to miss the team’s morning skate on Friday, but indicated he expected the goalie to be in net at night.
The Capitals have backup goalie Justin Peters on the roster, too. He said he’d been told Holtby would play in Game 2.
Holtby also was among several players who didn’t participate in Washington’s optional skate Thursday.
Grubauer played in one game for Washington this season, a 3-2 shootout victory against Anaheim on Feb. 6.
Washington forward Tom Wilson is expected to play Friday after being sidelined since early April, when he was hit in the face by a puck during a game.
The Capitals also announced Friday that they signed forward Riley Barber to a three-year, entry-level contract that takes effect next season. Barber was a sixth-round draft pick in 2012 and played college hockey at Miami (Ohio) the last three seasons.
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