The commitment to blocking shots, and playing physically and with patience frustrated the Bruins in the first two games at TD Garden, which is partly why Boston coach Claude Julien made it clear that his team must create more traffic in front of Holtby as the series moves forward.

“It’s about recognizing that they’re going in front of the net early and boxing them out,’’ said Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner. “You start your box out 5 or 6 feet away from the net and have that space to hold them off.’’

The pairing of Alzner and John Carlson proved effective against Boston’s top line of David Krejci, Milan Lucic, and Rich Peverley in Game 2. The Capitals forced many of the Bruins’ shots to come from the perimeter, allowing Holtby to feel comfortable.

“It makes me play everything more honest. I know that I don’t ever have to cheat,’’ Holtby said. “You see the plays [the Bruins] are making, especially plays across the crease, they’re nonexistent. Our D has been so solid.’’

Highlighting Washington’s defensive metamorphosis has been Holtby, who is filling in for the injured Tomas Vokoun (groin) and Michal Neuvirth (lower body). The 22-year-old has stopped 72 of the 74 shots he’s faced in the series.

“When you look at the commitment to blocked shots, it has been outstanding,’’ said Holtby. “Not only that, but there were a lot of plays [in Game 2] where they didn’t shoot because we were in a position to block shots.’’

On Sunday, Hunter provided his former third-stringer with a significant endorsement.

“Holtsy’s been good for us. He’s making big saves,’’ Hunter said. “Holtsy’s our goalie.’’

The Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, native entered this series with 16 games of playoff experience at any level, but credits postseason losses in the Western Hockey League and American Hockey League for his current success.