3 players who were the biggest surprises on Capitals this season

Charlie Lindgren

Perhaps the most important player throughout the stretch run for the Caps return to the playoffs was none other than Charlie Lindgren who went from reliable backup to postseason starter.

Lindgren started in 19 of the Caps final 22 regular season games, posting a record of 12-6-2 with a 2.39 goals against average, a .919 save percentage and three shutouts. Lindgren's 12 wins from March 7 through the end of the regular season ranked first in the NHL, while his three shutouts were tied for first.

Lindgren started both games of Washington's back to back to close out the regular season with a shutout on April 15 against the Boston Bruins and stopping 27 of the 28 shots faced on April 16 at the Philadelphia Flyers to help the Capitals clinch a playoff berth.

Among goaltenders with 50 or more games played this season, Lindgren ranked eighth in save percentage (.911) and ninth in goals against average at 2.67. In addition, Lindgren's six shutouts were tied for the most in the NHL.

This past season Lindgren finished with a 25-16-7 record with a 2.67 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. Those are our top 3 surprises on the Caps this past season.