David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Capitals Announce Charlie Lindgren Injury Update Before Penguins Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 1:16 PM ET

Although it's getting tougher to stay alive in the postseason race each passing day, the Washington Capitals are still fighting for a postseason berth with three games left in the regular season.

Washington is entering the final week of play trailing the Philadelphia Flyers by three points for third place in the Metropolitan Division, and is sixth in the wild-card race, currently five points below the cut-out point.

With all teams off the schedule on Friday, the Capitals returned to the ice for practice as they prepare for a home-and-home series against the Pittsburgh Penguins starting on Saturday.

Goaltender Charlie Lindgren returned to the Capitals' net last Sunday after not appearing in a game since Mar. 12, but his availability is once again uncertain after he missed Wednesday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery on the bench.Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The 31-year-old nemtinder is dealing with an upper-body injury and already missed time with a lower-body issue earlier this season.

Lindgren was listed as day-to-day by head coach Spencer Carbery heading into Wednesday's game, but on Friday, the Capitals coach issued a more encouraging update, per NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.

"Charlie Lindgren (upper body) was a full participant in practice today and will travel with the Capitals to Pittsburgh for the game tomorrow," Gulitti reported. "Coach Spencer Carbery said he remains day to day. (Backup goalie) Mitch Gibson remained with the team for practice today."

Lindgren is now considered questionable for Saturday’s game in Pittsburgh, but it's fair to consider him as trending toward after logging a full practice more than 24 hours before puck drop.

Charlie Lindgren (upper body) was a full participant in practice today and will travel with the Capitals to Pittsburgh for the game tomorrow.

Coach Spencer Carbery said he remain day to day.

Mitch Gibson remained with the team for practice today.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 10, 2026

The last time he played, on Sunday against the New York Rangers, Lindgren had one of his worst games ever, allowing eight goals on 33 shots in an 8-1 loss.

Through 21 games this season, Lindgren has posted a 9-8-3 record with a 3.52 goals-against average and a .879 save percentage.

The Penguins host the Capitals on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: