Holtby still on pace to start in net for Capitals

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) Washington Capitals goaltender Michal Neuvirth is uncertain whether he'll be able to play in the first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins.

Neuvirth returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since injuring his left leg last week, but he wasn't able to stay on the ice for the entire session. Asked if he thinks he'll play against Boston, he said: "I don't have the answer."

Tomas Vokoun is more pessimistic. He skated briefly before practice on his injured groin and said: "I'm disappointed as anyone that it turned out this way, but I try and I just can't do it. It's a groin, and for a goalie that's essential."

The injuries mean third-choice goalie Braden Holtby is expected to make his playoff debut in Game 1 on Thursday.

Updated April 10, 2012