ARLINGTON, Va. — Washington Capitals goalie Logan Thompson is expected to be sidelined for a few games due to an upper-body injury, according to Capitals coach Spencer Carbery on Friday.
Carbery stated, `I wouldn’t classify his status as day-to-day.`
Thompson exited Wednesday night`s game against Carolina after the first period due to an upper-body injury, as announced by the team. The exact moment of injury is unclear, but he did take a puck to the mask, dislodging it, during his 20 minutes of play where he conceded three goals on 12 shots.
Charlie Lindgren is anticipated to take over goaltending duties while Thompson is out. Thompson has been having a career-best season with a 31-6-6 record, a 2.49 goals-against average, and a .910 save percentage. He recently signed a six-year, $35.1 million contract extension in late January.
Lindgren, 31, who played a key role in Washington`s playoff appearance last year, shared starting duties with Thompson in the first half of the season before becoming the primary backup. He has started 33 games this season, with a 17-12-3 record, a 2.66 GAA, and an .899 save percentage.
Despite the Capitals recalling goalie Hunter Shepard from the AHL`s Hershey Bears as backup, Lindgren is expected to start both Friday night`s game against Chicago and Sunday`s game against the New York Islanders.
Carbery commented, `I believe this is a great opportunity for Chucky. With this opportunity arising, he can now take charge for a while… It’s a good chance for him to put together a series of starts and perform well.`
Tristan Blackwood