Caps give starting spot to Neuvirth

Michal Neuvirth will be the starting goaltender for the Washington Capitals in Game 1 of their playoff series against the New York Rangers.

Neuvirth said Tuesday he will get the nod when the first-round series begins Wednesday night.

Neuvirth beat out Semyon Varlamov for the job, a decision that comes as little surprise after a regular season in which Neuvirth posted 27 wins to Varlamov's 11.

Neuvirth will be making his Stanley Cup playoff debut against one of the best in the game. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist will be making his 31st postseason start.

Asked about Lundqvist, Neuvirth said: ''He may be the best goalie in the league, but I think our shooters are better than theirs.''