The Washington Capitals defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 on Thanksgiving Eve, earning their eighth comeback victory of the year — tied for the most in the NHL.
Washington managed to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat, scoring two unanswered goals after Charlie Lindgren gave up an embarrassing own goal.
The team did not shy away from Lindgren’s miscue post-game. In fact, they rewarded him for it.
“You help out your brother,” Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said proudly, making note of Lindgren’s whoopsie. “We don’t get rattled. Everybody just digs in and does a little bit more to bail them out. Men, great job.”
Then, Jakob Chychrun, the Capitals’ inaugural winner of the gold chain, awarded Lindgren with the player of the game award.
“Hey, hell of a job sticking with it,” Chychrun said. “This guy, first NHL tuck tonight.”
The Capitals locker room broke out into laughter.
“But no, in all seriousness, buddy, way to stick with it,” Chychrun said. “That’s a tough situation.”
After hugging the Caps’ first-pairing defenseman, Lindgren accepted the award and made a short, but powerful speech.
“First NHL tuck,” he said. “But I f***ing love you, boys. Hell of a job. Nice job.”
Appropriately, The Outlaw concluded the ceremony with finger guns.
