Thompson’s Game-Time Decision: Key to Capitals’ Success in Game 4 Against Canadiens

Logan Thompson’s status is uncertain for the Washington Capitals’ Game 4 against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, TBS, truTV, MNMT, MAX).

Thompson was seen in the starter’s net during the morning skate, just two days after getting injured late in Game 3. He was hurt while attempting to stop a shot from Juraj Slafkovsky, which brought the score to 5-3 in favor of Montreal. After the collision, he seemed to have difficulty bearing weight on his left leg and required help to leave the ice.

Charlie Lindgren stepped in for Thompson and faced a tough game, stopping four of five shots, but the Capitals ultimately fell to the Canadiens 6-3. Currently, the Capitals lead the series 2-1. They are also keeping an eye on Aliaksei Protas, who hasn’t played since April 4 due to a skate cut on his foot.

If Thompson can’t play, Lindgren is ready to step in. “I feel prepared,” he shared. “Every day, I’ve worked hard for moments like this. It’s what every young player dreams of.”

On the other side, Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault is day-to-day after leaving Game 3 with an injury. He did not participate in the morning skate and may not suit up for Game 4. In that game, he was replaced by Jakub Dobes, who performed admirably, stopping seven of eight shots.

Emergency backup goalie Patrick Chevrefils was also on standby, while Cayden Primeau has been recalled from the Laval Rocket to back up Dobes if Montembeault can’t go. Dobes, a 23-year-old rookie, has had a promising start, with a record of 7-4-3, a 2.74 GAA, and a .909 save percentage in 16 games. He made 34 saves in his NHL debut, showcasing his potential with a 4-0 win over the Florida Panthers.

Kaiden Guhle, a Canadiens defenseman, expressed confidence in Dobes, highlighting the importance of a goalie’s self-belief. “He’s ready for any challenge,” Guhle said. “If Dobes is in goal, we believe in him.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the NHL where young goalies are stepping up amid injuries, exemplifying the league’s increasing reliance on emerging talent.

In 2022, the NHL reported a significant increase in the number of games played by rookie goalies, showing teams are willing to take risks on less experienced players. This trend could change how teams approach roster management in the future.

As the playoffs continue to unfold, the Capitals and Canadiens both navigate uncertainty. Fans will be watching closely, hoping for thrilling performances from their teams’ goalies.

For more insights into the NHL playoffs, visit NHL.com.

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