There goes another bolt on the Washington Capitals. Earlier, we saw a terrible mishap on the ice, during a match with the Hurricanes, where Jalen Chatfield almost thrashed Connor McMichael on the ice, while the latter was without a helmet. What’s more? Chatfield escaped the foul without any disciplinary actions by the officials. While McMichael wasn’t hurt, Chatfield getting a clean chit for it got fans awfully angry. But there’s some more bad news for the team.

And this time it is the Capitals goalie! Logan Thompson. Logan Thompson suffered an upper-body injury during their game with Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. The Capitals lost the game 5-1. So far, there’s been no clarification of how he he got hurt, but it looks like the injury is going to get him out of the game.

Additionally, he will be replaced by Charlie Lindgren. Speaking of Thompson taking the leave, the coach, Spencer Carbery stated, “Logan will miss a little bit of time.” He added, “I won’t call him day-to-day. He’s definitely gonna miss a couple games, and then we’ll see where it goes from there.”

Now with that, Washington is left with seven games to play. It shall begin with the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. And then again on Sunday with the New York Islanders. Losing a valuable player like Logan will definitely cost the team during this critical time.

Thompson has been a major reason behind Washington’s strong season, picking up 31 wins and only six regulation losses in 43 starts. He’s been steady with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. He also ranks 13th in goals saved above average (8.67) and seventh in goals saved above expected (24.9), as excerpted from The Score.

Fan reactions to Logan Thompson’s injury and the changing goaltender set up for the Capitals

Thompson is getting sidelined after a rough collision against the Hurricanes. Now, the Capitals have to turn to Charlie Lindgren as their primary goaltender. Hunter Shepard has been called up from the Hershey Bears as backup, while uncertainty looms over Thompson’s return timeline. Fans are worried and expressing concern about what lies ahead for their favorite team.

“I wonder if Thompson has been battling an injury for a while but the game on Wednesday exasperated it – he hasn’t been moving the same the last few weeks. Either way, good for him to get healthy and hopefully get his mental right.” A fan points out that Thompson has been lacking on his usual skills. Since goaltenders rely heavily on reflexes and lateral movement, such injuries can seriously affect their performance.

Another adds on a similar note pointing out an underlying injury, “He is in a bit of a slump, and it could well be an underlying injury. Here’s hoping he comes back stronger.”

A break is definitely needed for goalies—especially since ups and downs are part of the game. However, Thompson’s game has been taking downward spiral lately, and this time it severed.

But luckily they have Lindgren, as a backup. A fan writes, “This is why we pay so much to have a pair of goalies not just a starter. In Lindgren We Trust.” Well, yes, it is crucial to have a reliable backup. And Lindgren has been promising in and out with his performance. Another adds, “May Shepard not see a single moment of ice time. 🙏🏼 Hurry back, LT. We love and need you and Chuckie.”

There’s concern about whether Shepard can handle the pressure of the NHL. However, being an AHL player, Shepard’s performance in his AHL career has been promising. Yet to not have Lindgren take the lead is what can make things go out of hand.

And as Lindgren has gotten it on his shoulder it’s time to shake things up and give him the support that he needs! As a fan writes, “Charlie is a beast. Once he gets in the zone. Lets go!”

Goaltending is a momentum-driven role—once Lindgren finds his rhythm, he can really keep the pace up. And it’s now to wait and watch, and hope for LT’s quick return to the play.

How do you think the remaining season will play out for Washington? Let us know in the comments below.