The Best Saves from Washington Capitals Goalies in 2013-14

As has been the case for the better part of the last decade, the Washington Capitals' style of hockey creates an abundance of quality scoring chances for both teams on the ice. 

Yes, the Caps, led by the reigning Rocket Richard winner in Alex Ovechkin, can put the puck in the net as frequently and furiously as virtually any club in the league, but due to the team's wealth of offensive weapons, this is a group that gives opponents far too many opportunities to do the same. 

Goaltending has long been an issue for Washington since Olaf Kolzig left town in 2008, but at least so far this season, Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth have given their team a chance to win virtually every night. 

Though the Caps sit 18th in the league in terms of goals against, the goaltenders have treated fans to some spectacular stops. Here's a look at the very best of them thus far. 

Braden Holtby on David Desharnais and Brendan Gallagher:

With the Capitals and Canadiens scoreless midway through the first period in a critical Eastern Conference clash, Braden Holtby shut the door on two of Montreal's best early.

First, David Desharnais, a former 60-point man, raced in all alone on the Caps' stopper, and Holtby coolly kicked his attempt aside, but he couldn't rest for long.

Seconds later, one of last year's top rookies, Brendan Gallagher, got a chance to give the visitors an early lead with a one-timer from the slot from Desharnais, but Holtby stood tall once again.

The Caps went on to win in a shootout, and there's no denying that Holtby's early rejections played a major role in this victory.

Michal Neuvirth on Mike Santorelli: Oct. 28, 2013

Despite Washington's eventual loss to the Canucks, Michal Neuvirth made one the year's best saves on one of Vancouver's most skilled forwards in Mike Santorelli at the top of the visiting Capitals' crease.

With the Canucks on a power play late in the third period, Long Island native Chris Higgins streaked down the left wing with speed, and eyed the former 20-goal scorer heading straight for the net.

From there, Higgins threaded a beautiful feed over to Santorelli, but Neuvirth was up to the task.

Just as the 27-year-old got wood on the pass, the Czech goaltender slid post-to-post to make a desperation save, keeping Washington within striking distance of the hosts.

Braden Holtby on Tomas Tatar: Nov. 15, 2013

Braden Holtby has kept the Capitals in a number of games that Adam Oates' team has had no business in being in, and Washington's mid-November comeback victory over Mike Babcock's Red Wings was a prime example of this.

While Alex Ovechkin and Michael Latta scored two unanswered goals to knot the game at three before Nicklas Backstrom sealed up the win in a shootout, Holtby made a stop on Tomas Tatar that may have been the most spectacular moment of the night.

On a power play during the first period, the promising young Slovak wheeled around the net, and appeared to have a wide open cage to wrap the puck into.

But in the blink of an eye, Holtby stretched out his left pad, and denied the 23-year-old of what appeared to be a sure goal.

Braden Holtby on Phil Kessel: Nov. 23, 2013

While the currently struggling Maple Leafs managed to pull out a win over the Caps at the Air Canada Centre, it was not because of Braden Holtby's performance in net. 

Yes, the second-year starter faced far less than James Reimer, who swatted away 49 of the 50 shots Adam Oates' bunch directed his way, but Holtby made arguably the best save of the night on All-Star sniper Phil Kessel.

With Kessel and fellow American Olympian hopeful James van Riemsdyk in on an odd-man break, the former No. 2 overall pick found the Madison, Wis. native on the doorstep, but Holtby said no.

Kessel has tormented goalies across the league with at least 30 goals in each of his last four full seasons at the game's highest level, so a sprawling stop like this from Holtby was a dandy.

Braden Holtby on David Perron: Oct. 14, 2013

When the Oilers came to Washington, Dallas Eakins' club was arguably one of the most promising clubs in the league, as Edmonton's collection of young talents (including three former No. 1 overall picks) seemed ready to take the next step.

However, Ovechkin, Troy Brouwer and Joel Ward all notched goals on the power play during the second period, and the game was over pretty quickly.

But it wasn't without nervous moments, as former Blues dangler David Perron was left all alone in front with a golden opportunity to put the visitors up 2-1 midway through the second frame.

Unfortunately for the floundering Oilers, Holtby was up to the challenge, as he read Perron's shot perfectly, and his robbery set the stage for what would become a romp for the Caps.