While the Washington Capitals were the first ones to enter the playoff series, their story afterwards narrates a different turn now. And just when their things couldn’t get more intense ahead of their do-or-die Game 5, another twist shakes up the scene. What exactly? Well, with their backs right against the wall, trailing 3-1 in the series against the Carolina Hurricanes, Alex Ovechkin and his squad are now staring down yet another roster shakeup. That too amidst crucial game time. Is Charlie Lindgren out again? The questions surrounding Washington’s goaltending position are piling up now.

Because Sammi Silber, the Washington Beat Reporter, just shared the update on X– “Charlie Lindgren has personal matters to attend to, so that’s why Clay Stevenson is up.” So, is Clay Stevenson coming to back up Logan Thompson? Now with the pressure mounting, the stakes couldn’t be higher, especially when a key piece is missing in their net. Game 5? Now it’s going to be wild.

After all, amidst all the surrounding playoff drama, there is this instability in their goaltending lineup due to which the Caps now find themselves in a precarious position. And it all started with Lindgren missing Game 2 but being expected to return for the next one. “Yeah, he’ll travel,” Spencer Carbery confirmed the goalie’s return but only to the ice for an optional team practice before Game 3. However, it was Thompson who took the lead again. While the official update is still yet to come out, reports say that the Washington Capitals goalie is dealing with personal matters and is doubtful for Game 5 too.

While the Caps do have promoted Stevenson from the AHL yet again to serve as backup goaltender, the question isn’t about when Lindgren is returning but how the Caps are going to benefit from this emergency adjustment being made at a crucial time. Just one loss away from the elimination, will the Capitals have the backs of both Thompson and Stevenson?

The Washington Capitals Stars have their numbers speak on their behalf!

While Thompson has earned every bit of the Capitals’ confidence, he has nine straight playoff starts under his belt, and he’s expected to get the nod again on Thursday for his 10th. After all, the stunning performance in the opening round against the Montreal Canadiens was nothing but rock-solid, where he stopped pucks at a .923 clip with a 2.00 goals-against average while the Capitals took the series in five, right? Hence, to say that the Capitals will continue riding his hot hand as long as they’re alive because his numbers have slightly dipped to a .913 save percentage and 2.75 GAA against the Hurricanes while he allowed just three goals on 61 shots across the first two games.

And for Stevenson? Well, he remains more of a safety net than a game-changer. At least for now. Talk about his fresh off backing up Hunter Shepard during the Calder Cup playoffs, and he did it with a single AHL postseason win and a .875 save percentage alongside putting up a decent 18-8-5 record with a .888 save percentage during the regular AHL season. And when he was making his NHL debut, it wasn’t only his stopping 28 of 33 shots in a tough loss, but his confidence and resilience too that proved his prowess. Hence, his presence too gives the Capitals an added depth to their lineup, especially during the last moment.

Now, as Game 5 approaches in no time, both Thompson and Stevenson have proven they can handle the pressure in high-stakes moments. While with Thompson it’s all about having him stay consistent in net, having Stevenson around—even just for security—is different. How? Because it gives Washington a deeper bench and a fallback option, especially with the Hershey Bears idle until Friday! And hey, when it’s a do-or-die game, depth matters, right? Perhaps it is one of those crucial things that could make all the difference. What do you think?