The Capitals are relying more on Lindgren this season as he has earned more starts.
Since signing in D.C. in July 2022, Darcy Kuemper has been the established starter for the Washington Capitals. But now, Charlie Lindgren's changing the landscape, and as a result, he's taken more control of the crease in D.C.
Lindgren is coming off an impressive summer that saw him work on mobility and other details of his game, and it's paid off. So far this season, he's done what he can to keep his team in games and show he's capable of being a starter with a .929 save percentage in 11 starts.
For head coach Spencer Carbery, it's been exciting to watch, and it's led to more starts for the 29-year-old. That pattern will continue on Saturday as he gets the nod against the red-hot Nashville Predators, which will make his fourth start in five games.
"We just feel like Charlie's been on a real good run and has earned the opportunity to start a little bit more," Carbery said, noting that Lindgren's play has led to a chance in the team's approach to goaltending.
Kuemper has played in 14 games this season, dealing with some inconsistency with bounces not going his way and the stats not telling a full story of his season.
Lindgren, in turn, has outplayed Kuemper to this point. His 11.2 goals saved above expected are the sixth-most in the league, and he also ranks high when it comes to high-danger save percentage (.825, 72nd percentile) and mid-range save percentage (.960, 94th percentile).
Carbery said that Kuemper will continue to get time in net, but for now, Lindgren has earned more time.
"I know that [Lindgren starting more] comes at Kuemps' expense. We know what Kuemps is capable of doing, and he'll get back in the net tomorrow," Carbery said. "Just, Chucky's been on a real good run, so we feel like it's more of a reflection and reward for Charlie for how well he's played early in the year."
As for Kuemper, he's thrilled to see his goalie partner and close friend thriving in his second full NHL campaign.
"He's been on fire. It's been great for the team," Kuemper said. "I'm super happy for him. I mean, he works his butt off every day. "It's nice to see him having the success that he's been having."