ARLINGTON, VA — Charlie Lindgren is on the road to recovery after sustaining an upper-body injury against the Montreal Canadiens Friday night.
After sitting out for several days, Lindgren hit the ice on MedStar Capitals Iceplex Wednesday for the first time since the injury and was a full participant in practice.
Lindgren’s return to practice comes after he exited early against the Habs following a collision in the crease early in the second period. He was in visible pain and slow to get up before heading down the tunnel; he did not return to the game. The Capitals placed Lindgren on injured reserve the following morning and recalled Hunter Shepard from the Hershey Bears to back up.
Though Lindgren is not eligible to come off injured reserve until Saturday night’s contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins, head coach Spencer Carbery confirmed he would make the trip with the Capitals to Ottawa before they face the Senators Thursday night.
“Not quite ready, obviously, with being on the IR and that, but another positive step being on the ice today,” Carbery said of Lindgren’s progress.
Lindgren has a record of 10-8-2 this season with a save percentage of .900 and an average of 2.65 goals against, though he held a record of 0-2-2 in his final four games before getting hurt.
Logan Thompson has taken on a full-time starter’s role for the first time this season while Lindgren recovers. Since coming in in relief against Montreal, Thompson has recorded two wins and one overtime loss, earning the Capitals’ first shutout of the season against the Ducks on Tuesday.
Ahead of Tuesday’s game, Carbery noted Lindgren’s absence gives Thompson a chance to show his endurance.
“He’s already proven what he’s proven thus far this year, but now here’s a chance to be able to do it in a ‘starter’s role,’ being able to play game, game, game, and back that up night after night, which I’m looking forward to seeing,” he said.
Though Lindgren isn’t ready for game-time action, he made an appearance during the Caps Canine Night festivities against Anaheim, stopping by to meet puppies from Wolf Trap Animal Rescue.
John Carlson and Martin Fehervary were the only players to miss Wednesday’s skate due to maintenance days. Carlson recorded his fourth goal of the season and played 21:59 against the Anaheim Ducks Tuesday, while Fehervary recorded a TOI of 16:51 in the win.
