The Washington Capitals received some encouraging news on the injury front Wednesday as starting goaltender Charlie Lindgren returned to practice for the first time since sustaining an upper-body injury last Friday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 31-year-old netminder took a hit to the head from the Habs’ Nick Suzuki early in the second period and was forced to exit the eventual 3-2 overtime loss.
While Lindgren’s return to the ice is certainly a positive development, Caps head coach Spencer Carbery pumped the brakes on any idea of an imminent return to game action. “Not quite ready with being on the IR and that, but another positive step being on the ice today,” Carbery said. The goalie remains on injured reserve for now and won’t be eligible to suit up for Thursday’s tilt in Ottawa against the Senators.
Lindgren’s Importance to the Capitals
Since signing with Washington as a free agent last summer, Lindgren has established himself as a reliable last line of defense for a Capitals squad looking to keep its playoff streak alive. In 21 starts, the Minnesota native has posted a 10-8-2 record to go along with a respectable 2.65 goals-against average and .900 save percentage.
With the Caps currently clinging to the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, having a healthy Lindgren between the pipes will be crucial down the stretch. Backup Hunter Shepard has performed admirably in relief, but there’s no question Lindgren gives Washington the best chance to win on a nightly basis.
The Road Ahead
Assuming there are no setbacks, the earliest Lindgren could potentially return to the Capitals’ crease would be Saturday’s home date with the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, given the tricky nature of head injuries, expect the team to exercise an abundance of caution.
- Upcoming Capitals schedule:
- Thursday at Ottawa Senators
- Saturday vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
- Tuesday at Colorado Avalanche
With just over a month remaining in the regular season, every point is precious for a Washington outfit hoping to keep its postseason plans on track. The sight of Lindgren back on the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex was undoubtedly a welcome one, but his status bears close monitoring in the days ahead.
As any goaltender will tell you, your health is your most important asset. I’m going to make sure I’m 100% before returning because I want to be at my best for this team and these fans down the stretch.
– Charlie Lindgren on his recovery
With the Capitals set to embark on a crucial three-game road trip, Lindgren’s progress will be one of the main storylines to follow. Can Washington weather the storm without its top goalie and keep its playoff aspirations afloat? The intrigue builds as the stretch run approaches in D.C.
