Michal Neuvirth will start against the New Jersey Devils on Friday. The Capitals are looking to end their early season three-game losing streak. Neuvirth might get the nod again on Sunday if he has a strong performance tonight.

Michael Neuvirth was beaten four times on 22 shots in a 4-1 loss to the Canadiens Thursday night. After Braden Holtby fumbled a couple of starting opportunities early in the season Neuvirth was given a shot, but he was far from effective enough to make coach Adam Oates do anything but turn back to Holtby for the next game.

Michal Neuvirth will be between the pipes for Washington on Thursday against Montreal. Braden Holtby has endured a tough start to the 2013 campaign with an 0-2 record, a 5.04 goals-against average and an .863 save percentage in his first two starts. Neuvirth hasn't played since New Year's Day when he was in the Czech Republic, so he's itching to get back into it and with Holtby struggling he may get an opportunity to string together some starts if he can get a victory.

Look for Michal Neuvirth to play an important role with the Capitals this season if Braden Holtby struggles off the gate. Given how well Holtby played during the 2012 playoffs, he will get first crack at the starting gig in Washington. However, if he stumbles off the gate in this 48-game shortened season, Neuvirth could see a lot more action between the pipes than expected. Neuvirth should be owned by every Holtby owner and is a solid option as a third goaltender in 14-team leagues as he should get his fair share of starts this season.

Capitals coach Adam Oates told Michal Neuvirth that he will get his fair share of starts this season. "I met with Michal the other day, and I said that very point where he's going to get plenty of chances to play," Oates said. "Your job is to play well. Playing well doesn't always equal wins. A puck can ricochet off a defenseman's skate and you lose a game but you played a great game. I'm smart enough to know that." Neuvirth will probably enter the season as Braden Holtby's backup, given how well Holtby played during the 2012 playoffs, but he should do well in the crease if he can stay healthy.

Michal Neuvirth's Sparta Prague fell to Slavia Prague 4-3 (SO). He's had a solid go of things during his Czech sojourn, compiling a 2.51 GAA and nice .925 save percentage. If he can approach those numbers back with the Washington Capitals, he might grab the starting job from Braden Holtby.

Michal Neuvirth posted an apology on his Twitter page Tuesday after he said that this lockout is "about several superstars with big contracts" rather than the majority of them. He wrote, "I am sorry for what I said, lot of emotions and frustrations are going on! #respect" The Washington goaltender agreed with teammate Roman Hamrlik's comments last week after the defenseman criticized the leadership of NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr. The remarks angered several members of the union, including some of their other Capitals teammates, so it isn't surprising to see some damage control.

Michal Neuvirth earned an overseas victory shortly after riling up fellow NHLPA members by supporting Roman Hamrlik's plea to get NHL hockey back on the ice. Neuvirth allowed two goals - including one assisted by Ales Hemsky - as Sparta Prague beat Pardubice 4-2 on Sunday.

Michal Neuvirth supports Roman Hamrlik's recent statements criticizing NHLPA boss Donald Fehr and the current state of the lockout. "I agree 100% with Hammer," Neuvirth said. "This lockout is not about majority of players, i think. It is about several superstars with big contracts." Unlike Hamrlik, Neuvirth is a young player with his entire career ahead of him, so he'll have to live with the new CBA longer than most. He'll also have to live with the repercussions if this lockout ends up slowing or even stopping rate of growth the NHL has enjoyed in recent years.

Michal Neuvirth made 34 saves on 37 shots in a 3-2 loss to Ceske Budejovice in his Czech Extraliga debut on Tuesday. The Czech keeper has not played professionally overseas before, so there may be an adjustment period before he discovers a groove. Neuvirth has played plenty of hockey in North America though, while seeing action in the OHL, ECHL, AHL and NHL.