Braden Holtby's masterful performance during the Washington Capitals' second-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins is the highlight of a whirlwind postseason for the veteran goaltender.

Only two weeks removed from being benched in favor of usual backup Philipp Grubauer, Holtby turned in one of the best series of his eight-year career, and was instrumental in the Capitals punching their ticket to the conference finals for the first time since 1998.

He wasn't peppered with pucks in every outing against the Pens, but he stood tall when his team needed him most, stopping 73 of 79 high-danger chances and posting a .921 save percentage through six games.

Simply put: Washington doesn't slay its dragon without Holtby.

Of course, he's far from the first goaltender to steal a series. Here's a look at a few other netminders from recent history who are guilty of postseason robbery.

Matt Murray, Penguins - 2016, 2nd round vs. Capitals

Murray burst onto the NHL scene in the 2016 playoffs, earning three wins against the New York Rangers en route to a Penguins first-round victory. But he truly caught fire in the next round.

The Penguins are never true underdogs thanks to their two megastars in Evegni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, but they were meeting a Capitals team that put up a staggering 120 points during the regular season.

Murray wasn't fazed. Then 21, the rookie played like a 30-year-old vet, stopping 187 of 202 shots and posting a .926 save percentage while carrying his team to a six-game victory. But it's the way he got the job done that really impressed.

He was easily the best player on the ice for multiple games, putting up highlight-reel stops night after night. Here are two perfect examples, starting with a pad save late in the third period of a tied Game 1. Washington ended up with the win, but that result would have been much more one-sided if not for Murray's heroics. It also set the tone for the remainder of the series.

The second example is from Game 2. Murray once again kept the game knotted with a late third-period stunner, this time stoning Andre Burakovsky on the doorstep.

The Penguins went on to win the Cup, and can credit Murray as the main reason they got past the Capitals.

Jaroslav Halak, Canadiens - 2010, 1st round vs. Capitals

The Montreal Canadiens have a distinguished history of producing elite goaltenders. Jacques Plante, Ken Dryden, Patrick Roy ... and Jaroslav Halak? Well, for a few weeks in 2010, hockey fans in la belle province were ready to anoint Halak as the second coming of Georges Vezina thanks to his unreal first round against the No. 1-seeded ... Washington Capitals.

Montreal qualified for the postseason with 88 points, securing the eighth spot by one point over the Rangers. No one expected the Habs to win a game, let alone the series.

Check out Halak's ridiculous numbers from Montreal's four wins:

He was also solid in the following round when the Canadiens unseated the fourth-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins, but that was a tighter series that went the distance. Regardless, his wizardry against the Caps springboarded Montreal's trip all the way to the conference finals.

J.S. Giguere, Mighty Ducks - 2003, 1st round vs. Red Wings

While his Western Conference Final performance against the Minnesota Wild was arguably more impressive - he allowed only one goal on 123 shots in a four-game sweep - it's Giguere's first-round mastery of the powerhouse Detroit Red Wings that cements his spot here.

The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim squeaked into the 2003 postseason as a seventh seed and immediately met a squad of defending Cup champions that boasted several Hall of Famers, including Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, and Nicklas Lidstrom. Instead of bowing to his more talented and decorated opponents, though, "Jiggy" went into beast mode.

He set an NHL postseason record for saves in a playoff debut when he stopped 63 shots in a triple-overtime Game 1 win.

Although it was his first trip to the playoffs, Giguere was the difference-maker, turning aside 165 of 171 Red Wings shots en route to a four-game sweep. If it wasn't for his stellar play, Anaheim's epic run to the Cup Final would have ended almost before it began. He went on to win the Conn Smythe Trophy even though the Mighty Ducks lost to the New Jersey Devils.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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While most fans tune into a Game 7 for its edge-of-your-seat entertainment and painstaking pressure-packed moments, others throw it on to watch their degenerate bets cash - or crumble - before their eyes.

And with Game 7 between the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets set for Thursday night from the Music City, oddsmakers have come up with a fun list of prop bets to keep even the most avid of bettors occupied.

Check out the list of props for the Predators' and Jets' deciding game:

Team to score first?

Team scoring first wins the game?

Goal in the first 9:30 of first period?

First team to three goals?

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Total goal number Odd/Even?

Will the game go to overtime?

Total saves in the game - Connor Hellebuyck (Jets)?

Total saves in the game - Pekka Rinne (Predators)?

Game 7 puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET from Bridgestone Arena.

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It's only been 10 days since Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan announced the decision to transition Lou Lamoriello from his role as general manager into a senior advisor position.

However, the legendary front-office exec has no intention of filling that role, sources told The Athletic's Arthur Staple. Leading to "an avalanche of chatter regarding Lamoriello's inevitable arrival on Long Island."

The reports linking Lou to the Islanders come one month after New York's co-owner Jon Ledecky said he would be re-evaluating all aspects of the organization, including GM Garth Snow, who's not exactly a popular guy in New York hockey circles.

Since that presser, discussions surrounding a potential front-office shakeup have died down for the Islanders, with no further statements coming from either Ledecky or the team.

Although, it should also be noted Lamoriello's son, Chris, has been serving as the Isles' director of player personnel since August of 2016. Working side by side with his son might be too good of an opportunity for Lou to pass up.

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The unrestricted free-agent pool isn't always stacked with big-name players every summer. But that never seems to get in the way of all the hype attached to an NHL franchise potentially adding a game-changing piece.

After all, some of the names below have built reputations for being exactly that: clutch performers who've earned the right to be called the biggest names on the market. Naturally, those top-tier free agents have also earned something else - major paydays.

So as teams across the league prepare their Brinks trucks to shell out some serious loot, we felt it was the perfect time to take a look at what the top UFAs could be making come July 1.

John Tavares

Current contract: Six years, $33 million. Signed in 2011 with Islanders.

2018 stats:

Obviously, the most talented player set to become a UFA, Tavares would start an absolute monstrosity of a bidding war if he were to decide to hit the open market.

Given the relative mess the Islanders currently find themselves in off the ice with front-office discord, as well as on the ice with a rag-tag team that failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second season in a row, you can't really blame Johnny T if he's seriously considering changing cities for the first time in his nine-year career.

But, what's he worth? Tavares possesses a strong two-way game, some of the softest mitts in the league, and the ability to change any given game with his elite offensive prowess.

Tavares has earned the rep as being not only a consistent producer, notching 621 points in 669 career regular-season games, but a clutch one, as well, registering 42 game-winning goals.

However, stats and production isn't the be-all or end-all in determining what Tavares - or any player, for that matter - is worth. Another important factor in that determination is taking a look at what other elite players from around the league are making.

Comparable contracts:

Tavares turns 28 in September, so it's quite obvious that he's in the midst of his prime production years, which will be factored into any team's pitch. However, he remains one of the most well-rounded centermen in the league, so don't be surprised if a heated bidding war and the bear market drives up his price tag north of $9 million per season.

Projected contract: Seven years, $66.5 million. AAV: $9.5M.

John Carlson

Current contract: Six years, $23.8 million. Signed in 2012 with Capitals.

2018 stats:

While Tavares is the biggest-name forward on the market, Washington Capitals blue-liner John Carlson is undoubtedly the most sought-after rearguard set to become a UFA on July 1.

Carlson had himself a career year at the most opportune time, logging career highs in goals and assists while playing more minutes per game (24:47) than ever before - all right before becoming eligible for a hefty payday. He was easily the Capitals' best defenseman throughout the regular season, and he's continued his stellar play into the playoffs, with three goals and 11 points in 12 games.

The one knock on Carlson is his lack of physicality, as he sometimes gets pushed around by more aggressive forwards in front of the net despite owning a 6-foot-3, 218-pound frame. However, Carlson is one of the more disciplined D-men out there, finishing with 32 penalty minutes or less in the last seven consecutive seasons.

There's no doubt he'll have a number of teams courting those services, but what they're willing to pay and offer in term are different stories. A look at some recent contracts signed by other young-ish defensemen will offer a better idea in terms of length and value.

Comparable contracts:

During a season in which Washington's D-core is arguably at its weakest in recent memory, Carlson has been a revelation, anchoring the Capitals' blue line and putting up his most productive season to date. Sprinkle in the fact that the 28-year-old is only two seasons removed from garnering Norris Trophy votes, and Carlson could soon find himself among the top-paid defensemen in the league.

Projected contract: Five years, $33.75 million. AAV: $6.75M.

Evander Kane

Current contract: Six years, $31.5 million. Signed in 2012 with Winnipeg Jets.

2018 stats:

Despite being, arguably, the most one-dimensional player on the list, Kane's skill set and recent offensive production still have him in line to be one of the most sought-after UFA forwards of the summer.

However, just like it's been since his midseason trade out of Winnipeg in 2015, the biggest question surrounding Kane this summer will be whether he's a franchise-type player or a peripheral piece destined to always play a supporting role.

To Kane's credit, he's looked like a different player over the past few seasons, both on and off the ice. But especially since his deadline move to San Jose, where he racked up nine goals and five assists in 17 games while forming nice chemistry on the Sharks' top line with pivot Joe Pavelski. Kane continued that success in the playoffs with four goals and an assist in nine games.

His sensational speed and rugged demeanor - along with his explosive offensive ability - make Kane the complete power forward that all general managers spend sleepless nights on the phone trying to acquire. So don't be surprised when multiple teams come calling.

Comparable contracts:

* Deal signed with Detroit Red Wings

It should be noted that if the Sharks sign Kane to a new deal, the conditional first-round pick they sent to the Buffalo Sabres at the deadline would remain a first instead of becoming a second-rounder were he to sign elsewhere. It will obviously weigh into San Jose's decision of whether or not they want the 26-year-old in their future plans.

Regardless, he's as pure a sniper as they come. And when he's on his game, few opposing defensemen have the size or strength to slow him down.

Projected contract: Four years, $24 million. AAV: $6M.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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Wednesday in Boston was locker clean out day for the Bruins, meaning the team also released a laundry list of injured players who were hurt during their postseason run.

Leading that list was defenseman Torey Krug, who suffered a fractured ankle during Game 4 of Boston's series versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. He will wear a walking boot for the next two months, but will not require surgery.

The following Bruins were also playing through various injuries during the postseason:

• Zdeno Chara (D) - dealt with an upper-body injury throughout the playoffs
• Jake DeBrusk (F) - suffered an AC joint (shoulder) sprain against Tampa
• Noel Acciari (F) - was playing through a groin injury, requires surgery
• Patrice Bergeron (F) - Missed Game 4 versus Maple Leafs with concussion-like symptoms, played through a groin issue
• Riley Nash (F) - played through injured hip, hopes to avoid surgery

Boston was undoubtedly one of the hottest teams in the league all season long, and despite the bevy of injuries listed above, the Bruins were still able to reach the second round.

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Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand is quickly developing a reputation as one of the most polarizing players in the NHL.

And after a playoff run that included him licking or trying to kiss multiple players, which led to a warning from the NHL and his team, Marchand is getting the message.

"I need to cut that (expletive) out," Marchand said during locker clean out Wednesday, according to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic.

Marchand and the Bruins had their season ended by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, giving the diminutive winger plenty of time to mull over his on-ice antics.

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It's been well documented that San Jose Sharks centerman Joe Thornton was dealing with knee injuries this season, but we are finally learning just how banged up he was.

The longtime Shark suffered both an MCL and ACL tear in his right knee, according to Paul Gackle of Bay Area News Group. The exact same injuries he dealt with in his opposite knee a season before.

Thornton was missing from the Sharks' lineup since Jan. 23, sitting out San Jose's final 35 regular-season games. The injured knee also forced him to sit out for the entire playoffs.

In more positive news, Thornton told reporters Tuesday he wants to return to the Sharks next season. He went as far to say he would be willing to sign another one-year deal to stay in San Jose, according to Gackle.

Thornton inked a one-year, $8-million deal last July. He went on to register 13 goals and 23 assists in 47 games this season.

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The Carolina Hurricanes have their new man behind the bench, as the team will name former NHLer Rod Brind'Amour as their new head coach later in the week, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Brind'Amour's reported addition comes only weeks after former head coach Bill Peters exercised the opt-out clause in his contract to join the Calgary Flames as their new bench boss.

The 20-year NHL veteran will assume the head coaching role after serving as an assistant and player development coach. He joined Carolina's staff in 2011. Brind'Amour also captained the 'Canes to the franchise's only Stanley Cup in 2006.

Brind'Amour amassed 452 goals and 732 assists across 1484 career regular-season games to go along with two Selke Trophies and a Cup ring, so he obviously knows what it takes to get the job done at the NHL level.

His hiring continues a whirlwind spring in Carolina, as new owner Tom Dundon continues to shake things up within the organization. Former general manager Ron Francis was fired at the end of April after being reassigned to another front-office position in March.

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The United States rode a hot hand from New Jersey Devils goaltender Keith Kinkaid to a 3-0 shutout victory over Germany on Monday in Herning, Denmark.

Kinkaid earned his second straight shutout on the back of a 24-save performance, getting offensive support from captain Patrick Kane who chipped in with a goal and two assists. Kane was named U.S. player of the game for his efforts.

The story of the contest for Germany was 27-year-old netminder Niklas Treutle, who kept the Germans in the game all afternoon, registering 37 saves on 40 shots.

Derek Ryan and Alex DeBrincat scored the other two goals for the Americans in the winning effort.

Team USA is in action next when it takes on Latvia on Thursday.

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Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi's goal 3:18 into overtime Friday lifted the Lightning past the Boston Bruins by a score of 4-3, giving Tampa Bay the 3-1 series stranglehold.

Though the goal wasn't exactly pretty, and Girardi isn't really known for his offensive prowess, the series shifts back to South Florida with the Bruins on the brink regardless.

Game 5 goes Sunday afternoon from Amalie Arena. Puck drop is set for 3:00 p.m. ET.

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