Charlie Lindgren got his first start in the red, white, and blue of Team USA on Tuesday afternoon. The Washington Capitals’ number-one netminder backstopped the US to a 6-3 win over Latvia, eliminating the team from the tournament.
Lindgren — donning his Capitals mask, pads, blocker, and glove — made 27 saves in his first game action since the Caps were eliminated from this year’s NHL playoffs by the New York Rangers on April 28. The US got a four-point performance from Montreal Canadiens star winger Cole Caufield to power the team to winning ways before the start of the quarterfinals later this week.
Lindgren got the start after being officially registered by Team USA on Monday and getting into his first practice. The 30-year-old netminder previously represented the US at the 2018 IIHF World Championship but did not appear in a game so Tuesday’s matchup was his first-ever minutes played for his country at the senior level.
It's almost game time Team USA fans, so let's hear it for roll call!!
Where are you tuning in for game 7️⃣?@WinmarkResale | #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/jw84zt2uQ8
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) May 21, 2024
Capitals prospect Ryan Leonard also featured in the win. Leonard was only given 5:11 of ice time by head coach John Hynes as he filtered in as a winger on the team’s fourth line. He was given eight total shifts, fired a shot on goal, and took a two-minute, tripping minor penalty.
Today's #MensWorlds lines ⤵️@WinmarkResale | #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/4AydmCbdbB
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) May 21, 2024
Team USA’s next game will come on Thursday in the quarterfinals. Their exact opponent is still to be determined but it will either be Czechia or Switzerland depending on the result of Switzerland’s game against Finland on Tuesday.
The US finished second in Group B behind Sweden after suffering group-stage losses to Sweden and Slovakia.
