Michal Neuvirth made 28 saves in a 4-3 OT win to open the season for the Capitals. Neuvirth surprised everyone by getting the start for the season opener. Top off-season acquisition Tomas Vokun is expected to get the majority of the starts this season, but the young Neuvirth proved last season he's capable of being a starter too. Vokun was an early selection in most drafts, so if this continues, it could severely effect the outcome of several pool owners chances of winning.

Michal Neuvirth will play between the pipes for the Washington Capitals on Saturday. "The coaches told me after practice today," Neuvirth said. "I was a bit surprised. I opened the season last year and now I open it this year as well." We're surprised too. Although Neuvirth was expected to battle Tomas Vokoun for playing time, it was widely believed that Vokoun would have the edge going into the season. Neuvirth might have earned the right to play in the opener by posting a 1.34 GAA and a .940 save percentage in the preseason.

Goaltender Michal Neuvirth is expected to start against the Blackhawks in the Caps' final dress rehearsal after missing the past two days of practice with a minor, undisclosed injury. Neuvirth should be considered a perfect number three fantasy goalie on your fantasy team with plenty of upside and should be drafted accordingly. He should also be drafted by Vokoun owners looking to protect their investment.

Michal Neuvirth (undisclosed) will probably practice with the Capitals on Saturday. Neuvirth was originally going to play in Friday's preseason game, but that won't be the case. Instead, Neuvirth might play in Washington's final exhibition contest on Sunday.

Michal Neuvirth's undisclosed injury is believed to be minor. "He's fine. He's just got, again, a tightness thing and we're not going to take any chances with him," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "He was scheduled to play Friday, we'll probably rest him and play him Sunday. That's why we're bringing Braden [Holtby] up." We'll keep you posted on Neuvirth's status.

Look for Michal Neuvirth to start about 25 games this season for the Caps as he intends to push Tomas Vokoun, his boyhood idol, for playing time. Vokoun's presence delays the development of 23-year-old MichalÿNeuvirth, who will now be the Capitals' backup goaltender. Neuvirth should be considered a perfect number three fantasy goalie on your fantasy team with upside and should be drafted accordingly. For those of you competing in daily transaction leagues, it's important to identify the best teams in the NHL and draft one of the high-end backup goaltenders late in the draft. Neuvirth definitely fits the bill and must also be drafted by Vokoun owners looking to protect their investment.

Michal Neuvirth is motivated to challenge fellow Czech Tomas Vokoun for starts this season in Washington's crease. "Tomas might be one of the top three goalies in the league," he said. "So it's a big opportunity for me to show I can be as good as this guy or even better. Obviously, I want to play the most games and I still want to be the number one goalie." Coach Bruce Boudreau has said he foresees Vokoun beginning the year as the team's starter, but Neuvirth believes it is too early to making claims like that. He worked out on the ice Thursday with Capitals' teammates John Carlson and Matt Hendricks and others in an uptempo, 90-minute session. He also had a great quote that showed his desire to not fade into the background, while also welcoming Vokoun to the fold. Neuvrith said, "When I was a kid, I wanted to be like him. Now, I want to be better than him."