Michal Neuvirth has inked a two-year, $5 million contract extension with the Washington Capitals.

Neuvirth was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer. He will make $2.4 million next season and $2.6 million in 2014-15. "We talk about it and I don't feel as a backup," said Neuvirth. "I feel I'm better than that, and that's why they offer me more money than the backups in the league." He might not feel like a backup, but he has his work cutout for him if he wants to wrestle the starting job away from Braden Holtby next season. It's certainly not an impossible task for him, but we'd sooner bet on Holtby.

The Capitals have locked up their division so they can turn to Neuvirth tonight after Braden Holtby started the last six games. Neuvirth's last start came on April 9th when he stopped 27 of 29 in a win over the Habs. He will face a desperate Sens team tonight, but the Caps are hot so he could make a solid start if you have no other option.

Michal Neuvirth will get the nod for Washington Thursday night versus Ottawa.

The Capitals will give starter Braden Holtby the night off and will probably return to him in Saturday's regular-season finale against Boston. Neuvirth owns a 4-5-1 record with a .905 save percentage and a 2.81 GAA this campaign. But he has won his past two outings this month and allowed just two goals against in both of those contests.