Braden Holtby will start between the pipes Thursday night against the Islanders, Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post reports.

Holtby will start between the pipes Thursday night against the Islanders, Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post reports.

Analysis:

Holtby has crafted a home GAA of 1.98 this season, and he'll be energizing the Verizon Center on Thursday. The Capitals lead the NHL with 3.29 goals per game and allow the second-fewest (2.25). Knowing that he has excellent support from his skaters, Holtby has been able to play a composed brand of hockey, and that has led to 30 wins in 39 starts.