Top goaltender Logan Thompson was notably absent from the Washington Capitals’ morning skate on Thursday.
His absence from the optional session raised some speculation, especially after the team recalled goalie Clay Stevenson from the AHL’s Hershey Bears. However, head coach Spencer Carbery put any rumors to rest during his pregame media availability, firmly stating there was “no concern for Thompson.”
Thompson has started all nine of Washington’s playoff games so far, posting a 5-4 record with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. He briefly exited earlier in the postseason after a collision with teammate Dylan Strome but returned for the next game.
Carbery clarified that Stevenson was brought in as a precautionary move for Charlie Lindgren, Thompson’s usual backup. While Lindgren did participate in Thursday’s skate, he’s dealing with a personal family matter that could impact his availability for Game 5.
Lindgren, 31, also missed Game 2 against Carolina for family-related reasons. He and his wife, Mikkayla, announced back in December that they were expecting their first child.
Game 5 is scheduled for a 7 p.m. puck drop at Capital One Arena. The Capitals must win to avoid elimination and push the series back to Raleigh for a Game 6 on Saturday.
