He recorded 21 saves with a .955 save percentage Saturday night, and he was the first goalie off the ice during Monday’s morning skate — an indication that he’s the starter Monday. According to NHL.com, the four goalies at morning skate were Anderson, Pheonix Copley, Ilya Samsonov and Zach Fucale.
Laviolette said Vanecek is still day-to-day with his lower-body injury, not providing a more detailed timeline. Still, the Capitals have belief in their depth at the position, especially after Anderson‘s strong performance in a pinch.
“He came in last game and did exactly what he had to do,” said winger Anthony Mantha. “We won the game, so at the end of the day, it’s a bonus for him, for us, and hopefully we can do the same thing tonight. Hopefully, he plays great hockey.”