WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington Capitals goaltender Olie Kolzig hurt his knee Monday and will miss at least three weeks.

The veteran goaltender was injured during a drill at practice, a major blow to the Capitals' slim hopes of making a run at the playoffs.

Kolzig, 19-19-5 with a 3.06 goals-against average, is one of the few veteran standouts on a rebuilding team. The 36-year-old goalie is the team's longest-tenured player and one of its leaders.

Brent Johnson will become the starter in Kolzig's absence. The Capitals are expected to recall a goalie from their AHL affiliate in Hershey, Pa., to back up Johnson.

The Capitals do not expect Kolzig to require surgery.

"Olie means a great deal to the club on and off the ice. Fortunately, this type of injury does not have long-term consequences," general manager George McPhee said. "Brent Johnson has done his job well and is looking forward to starting on a consistent basis."