Newcomers' debut is forgettable

In a pair of moves that signaled more panic than bravado, the Capitals recalled goaltender Braden Holtby and enforcer Joel Rechlicz from the AHL Hershey Bears, then watched them implode against the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.

Holtby allowed five goals on 35 shots in his season debut for the Capitals, and Rechlicz spent far more time in the penalty box (10-minute misconduct) than he did on the ice (1:30).

The end result was a 5-3 loss that kept the Caps in ninth place in the East, four points behind the Southeast Division-leading Florida Panthers, who play the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday before facing off against the Capitals on Friday night in Sunrise, Fla.

By then, the Caps could look a lot different than they did Monday night.

The recall of Holtby and Rechlicz sent a strong message to the Capitals, and it wasn't flattering. Essentially, the significance was that the Caps do not believe in backup goaltender Michal Neuvirth, and they think their team is too soft without a one-dimensional, two-shift enforcer.

Washington's regular goalie, Tomas Vokoun, is day-to-day due to the flu.

The Capitals are not yet in the sellers' mode, but they are looking to find a home for aging right wing Mike Knuble, 39, and defenseman Jeff Schultz. If they can get a second-line scorer, look for them to do it.

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