While the Capitals’ attack needs no introduction with the likes of Alex Ovechkin on the roster, the team hasn’t been very sound defensively. As a result, ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there were some notable changes announced to their goaltending department. Recently, the Capitals called up Clay Stevenson and sent Hunter Shepard to the Hershey Bears. However, that wasn’t the only major update about the Capitals’ roster.

Another goaltender, Logan Thompson, is on the verge of making a comeback. The 28-year-old resumed skating and was seen before their morning skate in Long Island. However, if Thompson becomes fit in time, there could be a three-way competition between the pipes between him, Charlie Lindgren, and Stevenson, considering Thompson and Lindgren’s poor numbers in the past couple of months. The Capitals still have two games to go before the playoffs, and bringing in Stevenson might just be the jolt the goaltending department needs.

Thompson had suffered an upper-body injury and left the game against the Carolina Hurricanes midway on April 2. However, coach Spencer Carbery, is hopeful about Thompson’s comeback and wants his first-string goaltender to be playoff-ready.

Moreover, this comes at a time when the Capitals are facing a massive slump in their goaltending of late. For the record, they conceded seven goals against the Blue Jackets in their 7-0 loss, followed by four goals in their 4-1 loss to the same opponent.

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs just a few days away, the Capitals are looking to strengthen their weak department and have brought in the likes of Thompson and Stevenson. With the goaltending looking not-so stable, Logan Thompson will need to flip a switch.

Logan Thompson is a special player but needs to bounce back fast

With a salary cap of $5.85 million per year, Logan Thompson became one of the best-paid goaltenders in the league. Recognizing this as the team’s weak department, bringing in a player of Thompson’s caliber was crucial. Later, Chris Patrick couldn’t stop praising Thompson.

He said, “We are pleased to sign Logan to a multi-year contract. Logan has demonstrated that he is one of the top goaltenders in the NHL this season and since he joined the league. With his size and exceptional athleticism, we are confident that this signing will enhance one of the most critical positions on our team, especially as he enters the prime years of his career.”

But with the Caps looking to shore up their defense, the hope is that Thompson can return to the form that earned him the extension in the first place. Since January, Thompson has been struggling after keeping pace with the Vezina winning Connor Hellebuyck for much of the season. But since February 1st, Thompson has ranked 27th in SV% and 24th in high danger SV& with .776%. Lindgren hasn’t fared much better in 28th place for SV% and dead last for high danger SV%.

Their goaltenders are slumping at the worst time, but with Stevenson in the mix, the Caps have a couple of games to experiment before the playoffs begin. Additionally, it could also provide Logan Thompson with a dress rehearsal ahead of the important playoff matches. Can the Capitals overcome their defensive woes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.