Holtby is ready to push the Capitals a bit farther

Goaltender Braden Holtby is ready to take the Capitals to the next level.

The Capitals were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in a Game 7 overtime matchup with the New York Rangers.

But after a few key additions to the team (the Capitals traded for forward T.J. Oshie and signed Justin Williams), and Holtby's recently-signed five-year, $30.5 million deal, the goaltender is ready to get this season underway.

"We know there's a lot more to be uncovered with what this group can do, so we're coming into it with the same mindset as last year but with more experience and more expectations," Holtby said to Monumental Network. "It'll be a fun ride and one we're looking forward to."

Holtby solidified himself as a top goaltender in the NHL, and it's a position he'd like to stay in for several more seasons. Holtby set career bests last season with 41 wins, a 2.22 goals against average, a .923 save percentage and nine shutouts. His efforts earned him a fourth place finish in the Vezina Trophy vote, given to the best goaltender of the year.

"When you look at goaltending over the years, it seems like there are a few guys that stay (at the top) and a few that go up and down, and you want to be one that stays at the top," Holtby said. "That's a challenge in itself and one that I'm really looking forward to in my career. I'll keep improving and challenging myself and see how far we can go. Usually if the team is doing well, that makes individual things look better."

(h/t NHL.com)