In Washington's two consecutive road victories this week, the Capitals not only supported rookie goaltender Braden Holtby with goals but blocked shots. Against the Islanders, en route to a 2-1 win in New York, the Capitals got in the way of 20 shots while in Toronto Saturday in a 4-1 win they blocked 27 shots.

Five different players blocked at least three shots, while John Erskine and Mike Green were tied for the game high with four blocks apiece.

"The guys are doing a tremendous job," Holtby said of the support. "I think Karl [Alzner] had about four or five in the first period alone. When you see guys doing that, it makes you want to battle that much more for them."

For Holtby, the 35-save performance that included 18 stops in the third period as the Maple Leafs tried to mount a comeback, was another step forward in proving that he is capable of succeeding in the NHL.

"Feeling comfortable is a good thing," Holtby said. "It's the main thing I wanted to do in getting back in to this league with this team, is make sure that the boys felt that I was confident back there and comfortable with making good saves. That's something I didn't do the last time I was up here. It seems to be going good so far but two games definitely doesn't make a career."