As the playoffs approach, the Washington Capitals are eagerly anticipating the return of goaltender Logan Thompson and forward Aliaksei Protas. Thompson, recovering from an upper-body injury sustained against Carolina, has begun skating, offering hope for his availability. Meanwhile, Protas is expected to hit the ice soon after recovering from a skate cut sustained against Chicago. Coach Spencer Carbery emphasized the need for veteran players like John Carlson to rest ahead of the postseason, particularly given the team's recent struggles. With the Capitals locked in as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, they'll look to regain form before facing either the Montreal Canadiens or Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the playoffs.

The Washington Capitals are on the verge of welcoming back key players as they prepare for the playoffs. Goaltender Logan Thompson has resumed skating following an upper-body injury, while forward Aliaksei Protas is expected to hit the ice this week after recovering from a skate cut on his foot. With the Capitals secured at the top of the Eastern Conference, coach Spencer Carbery is balancing player rest and playoff readiness, especially after the team has struggled recently.

As they approach the postseason, questions remain about the starting goaltender for Game 1. Charlie Lindgren, who has stepped in for Thompson, has struggled with an .866 save percentage amid defensive lapses. Thompson, boasting a career-high 31 wins and a solid .910 save percentage this season, is eager to return. Meanwhile, Protas has set personal bests with 30 goals and 36 assists this season, demonstrating his importance to the team.

Logan Thompson, the standout goaltender of the Washington Capitals, is sidelined with an upper-body injury that will keep him out for at least a few games. Coach Spencer Carbery confirmed that Thompson, who has been exceptional this season with a 31-6-6 record, will not be day-to-day. His absence comes after a game against the Carolina Hurricanes where he left after the first period after taking a puck to the mask.

In his stead, Charlie Lindgren will take over as the starting goalie. Lindgren has a solid record of 17 wins against 12 losses this season, and his experience from last year's playoff run makes him a reliable choice. The Capitals have also called up Hunter Shepard from the AHL to back up Lindgren. Carbery expressed confidence in Lindgren's ability to seize this opportunity.

The Washington Capitals faced a decisive 5-1 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes, who clinched a spot in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. This loss marked the Capitals' fourth in their last five games, bringing their season record to 48-18-9. Alex Ovechkin scored his 992nd career goal, just two short of tying Wayne Gretzky's record. Ovechkin's power-play goal was a highlight, showcasing his enduring skill.

Logan Thompson started in goal for Washington but was pulled after the first period due to an upper-body injury, allowing Charlie Lindgren to step in. The Capitals struggled defensively, leading to multiple power-play goals from Carolina. With only a few games remaining, Washington remains in a strong position for the playoffs but needs to improve its consistency quickly.

Logan Thompson, the standout goalie for the Washington Capitals, exited the game against the Carolina Hurricanes due to an upper-body injury, raising concerns for his immediate availability. Thompson had an uncharacteristically challenging start, allowing three goals on 12 shots before he was replaced by Charlie Lindgren. As the Capitals' leading goalie and a potential Vezina Trophy finalist, Thompson's absence could significantly impact the team's playoff aspirations.

Thompson's performance this season has been impressive, with 31 wins in 42 games, which earned him a lucrative six-year contract extension. Lindgren stepped in during an already difficult situation, conceding a quick goal to further deepen the Capitals' deficit during the second period. The team needs Thompson back in form to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings as they push for playoff success.