Capitals head coach refuses to name a starting goalie ahead of Game 1 tomorrow
Photo credit: The Hockey News
With just one day to go before the playoffs begin, Spencer Carbery is keeping his cards close to the vest. The Capitals' head coach declined to reveal who will get the Game 1 start in goal against the Canadiens, opting not to tip his hand between Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren as Washington looks for any competitive edge it can find.
Washington head coach Spencer Carbery refuses to name a starting goalie ahead of tomorrow's Game 1 matchup between the Capitals and Canadiens.
Here's what Carbery had to say when asked about it on Sunday.
«You will find out tomorrow night." -Carbery
Chris Cerullo from RMNB writes that Thompson was once again a full participant in practice as he ramps up following an upper-body injury sustained on April 2 against the Hurricanes. The injury sidelined him for the final seven games of the regular season, just as he appeared to be locking in as the Capitals' likely starter for the playoffs.
"The 28-year-old backstop posted better numbers than Lindgren this season, going 31-6-6 with a 2.49 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage, and two shutouts. After a hot start to the year, he struggled down the stretch, posting a 3.33 goals-against average and a .877 save percentage over his last 15 games." -Cerullo
Even with a rocky finish to the season, Thompson ranked among the NHL's top three goaltenders, saving 26 goals above expected for the Capitals. By comparison, his counterpart Lindgren placed 59th among all goalies, finishing with one goal allowed above expected.
"Neither goalie is more experienced than the other in terms of past playoff action. Lindgren made his first four career postseason starts for the Capitals last year, going 0-4 with a 3.58 goals-against average and a .864 save percentage in the team's first-round loss to the New York Rangers." -Cerullo
Thompson also gained some postseason experience last year with the Vegas Golden Knights, appearing in his first four career playoff games. He posted a 2-2 record with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage. Unfortunately, the Calgary native was sidelined due to injury for the remainder of the playoffs as Vegas went on to win the 2023 Stanley Cup.
If Thompson is given the green light to play, I'd be shocked for him not to get the starting nod in Game 1 on Monday. We'll have to wait and see.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 20 | 39 ANSWERS Capitals head coach refuses to name a starting goalie ahead of Game 1 tomorrow Who do you think will start for the Capitals in Game 1 against the Canadiens on Monday? | ||
| Thompson | 24 | 61.5 % |
| Lindgren | 15 | 38.5 % |
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