The Capitals were quick to point out how Logan Thompson's been one of their constants in an up-and-down season.
WASHINGTON — Despite the scoresheet pointing to another standout performance for Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson on Saturday, the 28-year-old netminder felt he could have been better.
Thompson was disappointed and frustrated following Washington's 3-2 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins, admitting that of late, he feels that he hasn't been able to come up with the saves the Capitals have needed.
“Needed one more save," Thompson said. "And I feel like that’s been the result of my play lately, just haven't given the guys one more. It’s frustrating, but it is what it is.”
Thompson stopped 32 of 34 shots in regulation and overtime, and then eight of nine shootout attempts, on Saturday to help the Capitals secure at least a point as they look to gain ground in an ever-tightening Eastern Conference.
His shootout performance alone was enough to judge on, as coach Spencer Carbery highlighted the 28-year-old netminder for keeping Washington, who was unable to score in the skills competition, in it for as long as it was.
"LT was phenomenal," coach Spencer Carbery said, adding, "For LT specifically, he hasn't been happy with the shootout play this year. I've talked to him specifically about it, he's mentioned it. Normally, his numbers historically are really good in the shootout. For whatever reason this year, it's been a little bit off but tonight, he's dynamite."
Through 46 games this season, Thompson boasts a .912 save percentage, the fifth-best in the league among goaltenders with at least 35 games played. His 24.2 goals saved above expected also rank second in the NHL.
That said, his teammates were quick to pick him up following Saturday's tough defeat, and pointed out how he's been one of the highlights of the Capitals' up-and-down season so far.
"He's a stud. He's our rock pretty much every night," Matt Roy said. "He's making crazy saves for us and it just shows in that shootout there. He's a guy that we trust in the pipes and we're happy to play in front of him."
Washington next plays on Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators, a must-win game to keep D.C.'s playoff hopes alive. Thompson plans to be ready, and is maintaining the same mentality down the stretch.
"I never really put too much pressure on myself anymore, the more experience I get in this league," Thompson said. "Just approaching it like any other game."