Number-one goaltender Logan Thompson did not take the ice for the Capitals’ morning skate on Thursday.
Thompson’s absence at the optional practice raised eyebrows after the Caps recalled netminder Clay Stevenson from the Hershey Bears. However, head coach Spencer Carbery quickly shut down any idea that Thompson might miss a must-win Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes during his pregame media availability.
“No concern for Thompson,” Carbery said.
Thompson has made all nine playoff starts for the Capitals this year. He is 5-4 with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. He had an injury scare in the first round, getting his “bell rung” in a collision with teammate Dylan Strome, but returned for the following game.
Carbery explained that the team called up Stevenson as insurance for Lindgren, Thompson’s regular backup. Lindgren skated on Thursday but is dealing with a personal family matter, so there is some question about whether he will dress for Game 5.
The 31-year-old netminder previously missed Game 2 against the Hurricanes for family reasons. Lindgren and his wife, Mikkayla, announced in December that they were expecting their first child.
Puck drop for Game 5 at Capital One Arena is set for 7 pm. The Capitals must win to extend their season and force a Game 6 back in Raleigh on Saturday.
Capitals recall Clay Stevenson from the Hershey Bears
The Washington Capitals announced Thursday that they have recalled goaltender Clay Stevenson from the AHL’s Hershey Bears.
Stevenson’s recall comes just hours ahead of a must-win Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The 26-year-old netminder made his NHL debut in the team’s final regular season game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, impressing head coach Spencer Carbery despite taking a 5-2 loss. He was sent back to Hershey on May 1, being replaced by Mitchell Gibson.
Stevenson earned his first career AHL playoff victory last week, making 28 saves in a 6-4 Bears win to force a decisive Game 5 against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Hunter Shepard inevitably replaced Stevenson for Game 5, and the Bears moved on to the next round after a 4-2 win.
During the regular season for the Bears, Stevenson had an 18-8-4 record along with a 2.94 goals-against average, an .888 save percentage, and two shutouts in 33 appearances. He served as Shepard’s backup during last year’s successful run to a second straight Calder Cup, appearing in two games.
The Capitals are now carrying four goaltenders, including Stevenson, Gibson, Logan Thompson, and Charlie Lindgren.
Here’s the full press release from the Washington Capitals:
Capitals Recall Clay Stevenson
Goaltender posted 18-8-4 record with Hershey this season
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have recalled goaltender Clay Stevenson from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick announced today.
Stevenson, 26, posted an 18-8-4 record with a 2.94 goals-against average, an .888 save percentage and two shutouts in 33 games with Hershey during the regular season. In his lone start of the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs on May 9, Stevenson stopped 28 of 32 shots faced in Game 4 of the Atlantic Division Semifinals at Lehigh Valley to help the Bears stave off elimination. On April 17 at Pittsburgh, the 6’4”, 195-pound goaltender made his NHL debut, making 33 saves.
During his first full AHL season in 2023-24, Stevenson posted a record of 24-10-2 with a 2.06 goals-against average, a .922 save percentage and seven shutouts in 36 games with Hershey. Stevenson’s seven shutouts led the AHL and tied the Bears’ single-season shutout record. Stevenson, who represented Hershey at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic, ranked second in the AHL in goals-against average and third in save percentage. Stevenson and Shepard were the recipients of the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award, presented to the goaltending duo that allows the fewest goals per game during the AHL’s regular season. Stevenson also appeared in two Calder Cup Playoff games, stopping nine of 10 shots against.
Stevenson appeared in 36 games for the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL) in 2022-23, posting a record of 19-12-3 with a 2.54 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage and three shutouts.In addition, Stevenson had a 2-1-2 record with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage in five Kelly Cup Playoff games. The Drayton Valley, Alberta native also appeared in three games with Hershey in 2022-23, going 3-0-0 with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. In 72 career AHL games with Hershey, Stevenson has a record of 45-18-6 witha 2.44 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage and nine shutouts.
The Capitals initially signed Stevenson to a two-year entry-level contract on March 28, 2022, following his sophomore season at Dartmouth College (NCAA). Stevenson earned six of Dartmouth’s seven wins during the 2021-22 season, leading the Big Green in wins, save percentage (.922), goals-against average (2.70) and shutouts (2). Stevenson posted a save percentage above .900 in all 23 games he played and his .922 save percentage was tied for second in the ECAC. Stevenson, who won the Phelan Award as Dartmouth’s MVP, was named to the 2021-22 All-Ivy First Team, the ECAC All-Rookie Team and the ECAC Third All-Star Team.
