ARLINGTON- The cool temperature of Washington Joe Thornton Jersey Capitals practice facility fueled the anticipation in the air Tuesday. After weeks of rotating goalies and keeping their starter situation for the playoffs under wraps, the Capitals revealed that Philipp Grubauer will start Game 1 against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.I just think Grubi deserves the opportunity, Caps coach Barry Trotz said. Trust me, it wasnt an easy decision, we put a lot of factors in. Braden (Holtby) has been the guy for a long time were very fortunate we got two really good goaltenders right now.Holtby started 59 of the last 60 postseason games for Washington, but a fair share of struggles this season put his No. 1 status in jeopardy.MORE:Predictions, odds for Capitals-Blue Jackets first-round seriesThe 2016 Vezina Trophy winner was pulled three times in a late February/early March stretch and registered a career-worst 2.99 GAA and .907 save percentage this season, leading to more playing time for Grubauer, who posted a 2.35 GAA and .923 save percentage in a career-high 28 starts and 35 overall games this season.It helps playing a bit more, Grubauer said. The more you get on the ice, the more experience you get there and you see Tommy Wingels Jersey different situations, different teams. If you sit on the bench, youre not gonna get good from watching. You got to experience the situation and Brent Burns Jersey get the ice time.Philipp Grubauer tells the media hell start Game 1 for Washington. Washington Capitals (@Capitals) Heading into the post-season, the German netminder said he takes the same approach to starting a playoff game as he does to every game hes started in the regular season.Its treated as Game One or Game 82, its not going to change my approach, Grubauer said. Every goal you let in, every goal you score is important the mindset is you prepare the same way and play the same way.Trotz said he spoke to Holtby and Grubauer Monday about his decision, adding that Holtby was fantastic in handling the situation.I talked to him yesterday, I said it weighed heavy because hes done so much for us, Trotz said. He was an absolute pro."According to Grubauer, both he and Holtby were ready to have that conversation about who would start, and that it was nothing special or surprising.I think the last couple weeks prepared us for that, Grubauer said.Braden was fantastic, Trotz said. We talked today and all he wants to do is win. He was really good, hes always been.First full practice of the Washington Capitals (@Capitals) While Grubauer will start Justin Braun Jersey the first game for Washington, Trotz said they will take the situation in net game-by-game.Its not even a problem, its Joe Pavelski Jersey a ble sing, Trotz said of having to choose between goalies. From my standpoint, you dont know how things change in this game so quickly things can change in an instant, and we got a backup.At the end of the day, Holtby said there is no rivalry or competitivene s when it comes to which goaltender starts because everyone is working toward the same objective: finally capturing a Stanley Cup championship.Were all on the same team here, same page and were all trying to accomplish the same goal, Holtby said.