Washington Capitals News

Lindgren allowed four goals on 31 shots (.871 SV%) in a game 1 loss but will get the chance for redemption on Tuesday as he takes the crease for Game 2 in New York. The 30-year-old veteran netminder broke out in 2023-24 in his first season as a starter, with his 25-16-7 record, 2.67 GAA, .911 SV% and league-leading six shutouts. He will look to slow down the President Trophy winners in New York for Game 2, who finished the regular season seventh in the NHL in goals per game (3.39).

Sandin has been out since April 7th, did not play game one on Sunday and will subsequently miss game two as well. The 24-year-old appeared in a career-high 68 games with Washington in 2023-24 and had three goals, 23 points, 79 SOG, 24 PIMs and a -13 plus/minus.

Haman-Aktell was the 108th overall pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut this season, scoring one point (0G / 1A) in six games with the Capitals. The 25-year-old defenseman spent most of the 2023-24 campaign with the Hershey Bears (AHL), tallying 11 points (2G / 9A) in 55 games.

The Golden Knights will turn to Thompson between the pipes on Monday night in their opening game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Thompson started two of the last four regular-season games for the Golden Knights, winning both while allowing two or fewer goals in each, and was noticeably more effective than Adin Hill over the stretch run. The Golden Knights enter game one against the Dallas Stars as +127 road underdogs.

The Golden Knights will likely turn to Thompson between the pipes on Monday night in their opening game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Thompson started two of the last four regular-season games for the Golden Knights, winning both while allowing two or fewer goals in each, and was noticeably more effective than Adin Hill over the stretch run. The Golden Knights enter game one against the Dallas Stars as +127 road underdogs.

With the Capitals missing a key pair of their defensemen, Dylan McIlrath will make his second career playoff appearance as he draws into Washington's lineup on Sunday. The 32-year-old bruising veteran only appeared in three games for Washington during the regular season and had an assist, one SOG and five PIMs.

Sandin has been out since April 7th due to an upper-body injury but is expected to return on Sunday for Game 1 vs. New York. The 24-year-old appeared in a career-high 68 games with Washington in 2023-24, and had three goals, 23 points, 79 SOG, 24 PIMs and a -13 plus/minus.

Sandin did not play the final five games of the season for the Capitals but could be ready on Sunday for game one of the Stanely Cup Playoffs. The 24-year-old Sandin tallied 23 points (3G / 20A) and 107 blocks in 68 games this season.

Lindgren will start yet again on Tuesday for game 82 vs. Philadelphia after securing a massive victory on Monday with a 16-save shutout over Boston. The 30-year-old veteran started the season as Washington's backup but has been crucial in their push for the playoffs with his strong 24-6-7 record, 2.71 GAA, .910 SV% and league-leading six shutouts this season. He heads to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers on Tuesday, who are also fighting for the NHL's final playoff spot and have won their last two games after dropping eight straight before that.

The Golden Knights will turn to Thompson in their second-last game of the season on Tuesday night. Thompson has allowed three or more goals in three of the last four but was solid in his last outing, saving 25 of 27 shots (.926 SV%) in a 7-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Golden Knights enter Tuesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks as -403 home favourites.

Clarke will be the odd-man out on Monday when the Devils play their final game of the regular season. Clarke played just three games with the Devils this season and did not register a point.

McIllrath played one game for the Capitals earlier this season but has spent most of the 2023-24 campaign with the Hershey Bears (AHL). The 31-year-old defenseman has nine points (3G / 6A) in 58 games with Hershey.

The Capitals will continue their battle for a playoff spot on Monday night and turn to Lindgren to tend the twine against the Boston Bruins. Lindgren has been solid lately for the Capitals, allowing three or fewer goals in five straight (2-2-1), including saving 32 of 34 shots (.941 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Capitals enter action as +139 road underdogs.