Charlie Lindgren bolstered his bid for the backup job with a stellar performance, anchoring a youth-led squad that stunned Philadelphia’s veterans in a high-stakes preseason showdown.
To close out the preseason, Charlie Lindgren and the Washington Capitals were in for a challenge, as Lindgren led a prospect-heavy roster out to go head to head with the Philadelphia Flyers' near-full NHL lineup. Ultimately, it was his showing, and bright spots from the youth, who led the team to a big 5-1 win.
The veteran netminder had a heavy workload through two periods on Saturday, as he worked to show what he can do as he looks to secure his spot as Logan Thompson's backup with Clay Stevenson knocking on the door and final rosters due Monday at 5 p.m. He made the most of his time right away.
Lindgren was put under pressure early, as the Flyers got four power-play looks, including a double-minor for high sticking, in the first period alone. He stopped all 14 shots against in the opening frame, making some acrobatic stops and shutting down the likes of Matvei Michkov and other top talent in tight.
The 32-year-old shut down a number of chances and helped keep the younger Capitals in the game, stopping 32 of 33 shots through the 40 minutes. It was exactly the game management wanted to see from Lindgren going into the new campaign, and he got enough work through 40 minutes that Cal Petersen was able to take over in the third, where he stopped all four shots against.
It was also a big game up front for a handful of forwards still looking to make an impression.
Ultimately, it was Andrew Cristall who stood out up front with a goal and assist, along with a drawn penalty as he got up in the mix and impressed with his speed and grit. Ethen Frank also had a strong night as an alternate captain leading the charge on the top line, and he also had a power-play goal to expand the lead in the second.
Theodor Niederbach, Maxim Schäfer and Lynden Lakovic as D.C.’s youth did a solid job of capitalizing on turnovers and lapses in Philadelphia’s coverage
Saturday's game was also another important one for Ivan Miroshnichenko, who had one more look to show the coaching staff what he could do as he looks to avoid waivers and make the opening night roster.
Miroshnichenko had two shots and generated some decent looks on the second line, and also had a big hit in the third. However, he didn’t get on the scoresheet.
More roster decisions will likely come for the Capitals on their off day Sunday before the team heads to Annapolis with its regular roster for some team-building and more practice ahead of the start of the regular season next week in Carolina.
