Lindgren Shines with 35 Saves as Capitals Dominate Rangers in Season Debut Shutout
On a remarkable night, Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren delivered an impressive performance, securing 35 saves and guiding his team to a dominant shutout against the New York Rangers in the season opener.
Lindgren’s Stellar Performance
Lindgren made several crucial saves throughout the game. One standout moment occurred in the second period when he executed a stunning glove save against Mika Zibanejad. The save came off a one-timer following a 2-on-1 situation involving Artemi Panarin.
The Capitals’ goalie highlighted the intensity of the play, stating, “Two really good hockey players coming down on a 2-on-1, it’s not easy.” He added that he felt a brief moment of concern before realizing he had caught the puck in his glove.
Key Saves and Team Defense
Zibanejad later remarked on Lindgren’s skill, asserting he typically scores on such opportunities. Lindgren maintained his composure during a Rangers’ power play, making multiple critical stops and ensuring the Capitals held onto their lead.
- Lindgren’s saves included a shot from Zibanejad’s position in the slot.
- The goalie also faced a deflected shot from Panarin in the third period.
Capitals coach Carbery praised the goalie’s performance, mentioning the importance of Lindgren’s saves during pivotal moments in the game.
Game Statistics
| Player | Role | Saves Made |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Lindgren | Goaltender | 35 |
| Mika Zibanejad | Forward | Multiple Shots |
Injury Updates and Milestones
In other news, Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois did not participate for the last six minutes of the third period due to an undisclosed issue. The coaching staff is currently evaluating his condition.
On a positive note, defenseman Declan Chisholm marked his 100th NHL game and contributed an assist, showcasing his potential impact for the season ahead.
Notably, Lindgren’s record against the Rangers now stands at four wins and one loss, with two shutouts and an impressive .957 save percentage in five regular-season encounters.
The evening was further complicated for the Rangers, as they placed defenseman Carson Soucy on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Matthew Robertson made his season debut, playing for over 18 minutes and generating one shot on goal.
This match underlined Lindgren’s capabilities and reassured Washington fans about their goaltending situation as the season progresses.
