Capitals' Neuvirth unable to make it through practice, Holtby still expected to play vs Bruins

Florida Panthers left wing Marco Sturm (16) slides into the leg of Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Thursday, April 5, 2012, in Washington. Neuvirth was injured on the play and left the game. Neuvirth is uncertain whether he'll be able to play in the first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Evan Vucci

ARLINGTON, Va. - 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.