The Washington Capitals got their first look at Logan Thompson in net against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night. The 27-year-old netminder was acquired by Washington at the 2024 NHL Draft from the Vegas Golden Knights for two draft picks.
Thompson led the Capitals to their first preseason victory, making 25 stops on 28 shots in the 5-3 win. After sloppy zone play put the Caps down 1-0, Thompson’s steadiness kept Washington in the game, allowing them to dominate most of the final two periods.
“I thought he was outstanding, especially early in that game,” head coach Spencer Carbery said Thursday. “They had a few really good opportunities where we were a little bit mishandling a few pucks. They get a few quick 2-on-1s, and he made some big saves. Even at 1-0, we had some good looks, but we weren’t breaking through, so that sometimes, for goaltenders, if you can just keep us within a goal, that is as valuable as anything.”
Thompson stopped every puck he could see coming his way, only getting beat by two tough deflections and a Jack Hughes wrister through at least five screening players while New Jersey had its netminder pulled for an extra man. He credited the skaters in front of him with giving him some easy stops, allowing him to get in a groove quickly.
“I thought the whole D-corps and forward group did an amazing job locking it down, and the pucks that did get through early on, I think they were letting me see them,” Thompson said. “I think against a team like this, that just helps get my confidence up. I think it was a great team game and it’s a great team win.”
The big goalie, previously in the team’s organization with the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays, saved his best stop of the night for New Jersey’s Stefan Noesen. With just 7:39 remaining in the third period and the Devils on a power play down 3-1, Thompson made an incredible, reactionary glove save on a backdoor tip play.
Noesen was so stunned by the stop that he argued with an official that the puck had crossed the goal line before Thompson snapped it out of the air. There was no review, and the save stood.
“Little reaction, a little bit of luck,” Thompson said. “Fortunate that it went in my glove, but you kind of know that this type of team likes to look for those backdoor plays quite a bit. I was able to get a lucky read on it, and today I saved it. Sometimes it goes the other way, so very fortunate for that.”
New Jersey piled the pressure on in the third period down multiple goals. The Devils recorded 15 of their 28 shots and had the lone two power-play chances in the final frame.
“Logan stood on his head tonight and was a big reason we were able to win that game,” defenseman Jakob Chychrun said.
The Capitals’ Metropolitan Division foe iced a lineup full of their top NHL talent as New Jersey opens its regular season earlier than most teams. The Devils kick things off against the Buffalo Sabres at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia, on October 4.
“Yeah, obviously, that team is loaded up,” Thompson said. “They got a lot of talent, but I also thought the PK did a good job at keeping them to the outside and making my life really easy tonight.”
While Thompson is slated to be Charlie Lindgren’s backup to begin the season, he has previously shown he has what it takes to carry the load as a starter if needed. After requesting a trade out of Vegas to start the offseason, Thompson is excited to be a part of this reshaped Capitals team.
“One thing I’ve noticed since camp and since I’ve been around the guys is just how close this team is, making everyone [feel] included,” Thompson said. “It’s one big family. So these guys play hard for each other, and I think you picked up on that as soon as we dropped the puck. We didn’t get down on each other, and we’re playing hard for each other in this room. It’s making my transition really easy. I’m really fortunate to be here and [be] a part of this group.”
Washington has three games remaining in the preseason, and Lindgren has yet to appear. Outside of Thompson’s start, the other game action has gone to Hunter Shepard and Clay Stevenson, Hershey’s goaltending tandem.
The Capitals will next take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Capital One Arena on Friday night.
