The Washington Capitals headed up to the Big Apple on Sunday to take on the Rangers. I’m sure if you call yourself a hockey fan you have heard the saying “that goalie stole the game”, this is exactly what happen on Sunday courtesy of one Charlie Lindgren!
After a scoreless first period and some stellar goaltending from both sides, the Capitals were able to get on the board.
A wide open Alex Ovechkin at the top of his office received a pass from the point which caused the D-man to slightly step up because he has to anticipate a Ovi missile is coming, but instead Ovi swung the puck at Anthony Beauvillier who had one of those puck deflections from the ice which you just have to tip your Cap because Quick had zero chance to protect the top area of the net, 1-0 Capitals. I have a strong feeling we are going to get a breakout season from Beau this year especially because of the effort he showed in the playoffs.
This was the only goal of the game, but as previously mentioned this was the Charlie Lindgren Show! Charlie posted a 35 save shutout against a decent Rangers team in his season debut. This was easily the save of the season already and we aren’t even a week in yet.
We also faced-off against some former Caps Taylor Raddysh and Conor Sheary who saved what should have been an easy goal for Tom Wilson.
We also saw the Caps debut of Declan Chisholm who had a decent night who was in place for TVR who was out last night.
The Capital’s offense so far have been worrisome and we can’t expect our goalies to play like Lindgren every night it just isn’t sustainable. This was a big issue last year we start slow and hope we finish strong to win a game. Our power-play is no longer a dominant presence but lets hope the right combo of guys brings out a positive impact.
The Caps had a relatively quiet off-season. We saw the addition of Justin Sourdif (forward) a 23yr old from the Panthers he had 34 points in 43 games in the AHL. Declan Chisholm (Defense) who was acquired in the 6th round of the 2025 NHL Draft in a trade with Minnesota.
Guys to watch out for:
Ivan Miroshnichenko: he has led Hershey in goals and 3rd in points last season, I expect him to get much more games in the show this year he is just to good not to get NHL time.
Andrew Cristall: He was one of the final cuts from training camp last season. He led the WHL in points with 132 and 2nd in goals with 48. The 20 yr old will be a key player that could make his NHL debut at some point this season.
Ilya Protas: Aliasksei Protas’s brother had a breakout season in the OHL the 6-5 198 mutant will be a presence when he gets his named called to the show.
I am excited this season to see these young guys take the next step especially expect a huge season from Ryan Leonard!
Guys who were let go by the Capitals were, Andrew Mangiapane (Oilers), Taylor Raddysh (Rangers), Lars Eller (Senators), Alexander Alexeyev (Penguins), TJ Oshie (Retired).
Great win Sunday, but a much bigger test will be on Tuesday as the boys take on Tampa Bay. Lets have a great season baby!
The Morning Skate 