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Capitals Dealt Major Goalie Blow After Hurricanes Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Washington Capitals’ 5–1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday came with a potentially far more significant setback than just adding a notch to the "L" column.

Starting goaltender Logan Thompson exited the game with an upper-body injury and did not return after the first period, the team announced on X.

"NJURY UPDATE: #Caps Logan Thompson sustained an upper body injury and is doubtful to return."

Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery was asked for an update after the game, but he couldn't provide any clarity with the team flying back to Washington ahead of Friday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“He will be reevaluated when we get back to Washington,” Carbery said.

Head coach Spencer Carbery’s full postgame media availability after tonight’s loss to Carolina. #CapsCanes pic.twitter.com/gDomrneSW3
— x - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 3, 2025

Thompson surrendered three goals on 12 shots before leaving after the first period. He was replaced by Charlie Lindgren, who allowed two more goals on the 19 shots he faced while making his second appearance in as many nights.

It’s unclear when or how Thompson sustained the injury, but the timing could hardly be worse for Washington.

The 28-year-old has anchored the Capitals during their push to the top of the Metropolitan Division, posting a 31–5–6 record with a .910 save percentage and 2.49 goals-allowed on average across 43 games in net.

Thompson signed a six-year, $35.1 million extension in January after the Capitals acquired him from Vegas last summer.

The netminder has built a Vezina-caliber campaign in his first season with the Capitals, with the second-best Goals Saved Above Expected average in the NHL.

With Thompson out, Lindgren will take over starting duties, carrying a 17-12-3 record and boasting a 2.66 GAA and .907 SV% averages.

The Capitals (48-18-9 and 105 points in 75 games) currently hold the top seed in the East but have lost four of their last five matches.

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

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