Charlie Lindgren Not Back On Speaking Terms With Brother Ryan Yet After Rangers' Sweep Of Capitals, But Cheering For Him In Playoffs

The Capitals netminder said it was a "treasure" to face his brother in the postseason.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren and his younger brother, New York Rangers defenseman Ryan, came to an agreement before their teams squared off in the first round of the playoffs: they wouldn't talk until after the series was finished.

And even though the Capitals' run is over, the two haven't resumed talking just yet.

"We're in that awkward phase right now where I don't think I'm ready to reach out, and he probably doesn't know where I'm at," Charlie admitted.

The two had a relatively quick exchange in the handshake line after New York completed the sweep against Washington on Sunday, with Charlie saying nothing more than, "I love you, bro, good luck."

Although the loss weighed — and still weighs — heavy on the 30-year-old netminder, he said he will never take for granted the chance to play against his little brother in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"Just getting the chance to play in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against him was a treasure," Charlie said. "Wish it had gone better, but it was something that we'll remember forever and just appreciative to get that chance."

Charlie said that right now, it's too soon to start cheering for Ryan, but if the Rangers make it past the second round, he'll definitely be supporting him and may go and spectate to watch him play.

"I'll talk to him soon here, and we can kind of get this awkward situation out of the way and put it to bed," Charlie said. "Obviously, I'm going to be cheering hard for him and hope they — specifically him — but hopefully they can get it done in playoffs."