Capitals' Charlie Lindgren Reflects on Battling Through Injury for Key Shootout Victory

ARLINGTON, VA. — For Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren, January 29 was a challenging night that remains etched in his memory. The Capitals had a solid lead until a late-game incident saw a puck bounce off a camera hole and slip past Lindgren, forcing the game into overtime. During this critical period, Lindgren sustained an injury.

“It wasn't feeling great,” Lindgren admitted, as he prepared for the ensuing shootout. With the team’s regular starter, Logan Thompson, sidelined due to an injury, Lindgren faced a tough decision: either continue in the game or let Clay Stevenson, who had just been called up and was unprepared to step in, take the ice instead.

“Clay’s been watching, not moving for two and a half hours, and I felt like, if I could stay in there and feel good enough to stop some pucks, I’m going to try and stay in,” he explained. Lindgren opted to stay in the game, and despite the Red Wings scoring through Lucas Raymond and Patrick Kane, he managed to make a crucial save when Dylan Larkin’s shot hit the crossbar.

Thanks to goals from Dylan Strome, Ryan Leonard, and Nic Dowd, the Capitals secured a vital two points in what had been a tough January for the team. “Just tried to push through,” Lindgren remarked, noting the significance of the victory. “Fortunate that we went 3-for-3, but it was a big win, and it felt pretty good.”

After the game, Lindgren was carried off the ice by Justin Sourdif and John Carlson. This victory marked the beginning of a successful streak for Washington, as they went on to win three consecutive games and five of their next six. “Proud of our group and showed a lot of character. Getting off that ice, it felt pretty good. I wasn’t feeling great, but it was awesome,” Lindgren reflected, highlighting the importance of the match in his career.