The Capitals brought up Shepard under emergency conditions.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals have recalled goaltender Hunter Shepard from the AHL's Hershey Bears for precautionary reasons, per the team.
Shepard, whose recall is under emergency conditions, would be available to dress if Darcy Kuemper cannot go. Charlie Lindgren will get the start for Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Kuemper was banged up and appeared to be in discomfort at Wednesday's optional skate. He did make it through Thursday's morning skate and told Monumental Sports Network's Tarik El-Bashir that he was feeling much better.
The 33-year-old netminder, who has been playing second chair of late, was expected to split the back-to-back with Lindgren and start against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday.
In 31 games with Hershey this season, Shepard has boasted a .927 save percentage and 1.80 GAA while working in tandem with Clay Stevenson. He has appeared in four games with D.C. this season, posting a .894 save percentage and 3.19 GAA.
The Capitals face the Penguins at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena.