Thompson has the fourth-highest save percentage in the NHL among goalies with at least 20 games played, and he's only lost in regulation twice for the Capitals this season.

The Washington Capitals have been alternating between their two goaltenders all season long, but now, Logan Thompson has the chance to break away as Charlie Lindgren recovers from an upper-body injury.

Lindgren is on the injured reserve after leaving Friday's game against the Montreal Canadiens following a collision with Nick Suzuki that sent his head into the post before he went down hard to the ice.

According to coach Spencer Carbery, Lindgren is continuing to progress well and they will see if he is eligible to come off the IR on Saturday.

However, the injury to Lindgren opens up an opportunity for Thompson, whose stats are among the best in the NHL, to show that he can be a full-time starter and potentially claim the title as the Capitals' No. 1.

"It's a good point of him potentially grabbing the reins here and taking on more workload. I like that we don't have the back-to-backs, so it will be a good opportunity for him to play a bunch of games," Carbery said.

In 23 games, the 27-year-old is 18-2-3 with a .919 save percentage, which ranks fourth in the NHL among goalies with at least 20 games played, and a 2.32 GAA. He is also tied for fifth in wins this season and has only lost in regulation twice and leads in points percentage for his team.

Treading into more advanced statistical territory, Thompson ranks second in goals saved above expected (19.8) and leads the league in goals saved above expected per 60 (.868), more above the reigning Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck.

While Thompson's numbers speak volumes, he's also been alternating each game with Lindgren, and now, it'll be up to him to show that he can remain consistent and keep up a starting goaltender's workload.

"Part of the thing with Logan, he's had a great year to this point and essentially, it's been a flip, right? Every game. So 'starter' in this league, you want to show that you can play 50, 55 games. Now, he's going to get that chance," Carbery said.

Ultimately, it's a challenge that Carbery and the Capitals welcome as they look to get back to their consistent winning ways from the start of the season.

"Another opportunity for him. He's proven what he's proven thus far this year, but now, here's a chance to be able to do it in a 'starter's' role, being able to play game, game, game, and back that up night after night, which I'm looking forward to seeing," Carbery said.