Grading Capitals goaltending against Kings

The Washington Capitals defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 last night. You can read the recap here. The third line was excellent and Charlie Lindgren was once again brilliant.

As we transition into the second game of the back to back tonight against the Anaheim Ducks, let’s take one last look at last night’s game by grading Lindgren’s performance.

Lindgren made 38 saves on 39 shots. With the win the Caps improve to 4-1-1 in their last six road games this season. What made Lindgren’s start impressive was that he held the Kins to just one goal. The Kings were the highest scoring team in the NHL entering the game averaging 4.00 goals per game. The Caps have allowed one goal against or fewer in five of their last 12 games.

“Phenomenal performance to get us two points tonight,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery.

Lindgren improved his record in the month of November this season to 5-1-0 and per NHL PR, his .833 win percentage is the highest ever recorded by a Capitals goalie in the month of November. The Caps overall are 7-3-1 this month and only the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers have more wins in that span with nine.

Of Lindgren’s 38 saves he stopped all 13 shots he faced in the second period and all 15 he faced in the first period. The Capitals were outshot in third 15-3 and they needed Lindgren more than ever to step up and he did just that.

Grade A+: The Capitals goaltending was outstanding last night as Charlie Lindgren delivered when he had to. He certainly has the hot hand even though he started the season as a backup.

Last season he was on a hot streak in December when Darcy Kuemper was out and this season he had to do it one month early. Kuemper probably gets the nod tonight with a back to back but I’m intrigued to see who gets the net Saturday night in Vegas.