Washington Capitals goalie Jose Theodore out vs. Hurricanes with flu

WASHINGTON - Capitals goalie Jose Theodore was removed from the starting lineup for Tuesday night's game against the Carolina Hurricanes due to the flu.

Rookie backup Michal Neuvirth was designated for his third career NHL start in place of Theodore who was available off the bench for the Southeast Division leaders.

"He's just not feeling 100 per cent," Washington coach Bruce Boudreau said before the game. "If he's not feeling 100 per cent, we might as well put the other guy in."

Theodore was replaced by Neuvirth after allowing four goals in the first period of a 6-2 loss to Florida on Sunday.