What Capitals Plan Is In Net For Two Huge Final Games Of Regular Season As They Look To Sneak Into Playoffs

The Washington Capitals control their own destiny as they sit in the second Wild Card spot and face a must-win scenario in the next two games in order to sneak into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and they have their plan solidified in net.

They will start their quest with Charlie Lindgren getting the call against the Boston Bruins on Monday

As for Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, which holds potentially even more magnitude with Philly potentially able to steal back WC2 with a regulation win, Carbery wouldn't confirm a starter.

"One day at a time," he told reporters after the optional morning skate on Monday via Ben Raby.

Related: Nick Jensen Injury Update: Capitals Defenseman To Miss Last 2 Games Of Regular Season, But Positive Signs As He Visits Facility

Lindgren, who will make his 49th start of the season, is coming off a stellar 32-save showing against the Tampa Bay Lightning that put his team back in playoff position on Saturday. He has become the team's bonafide starter down the stretch, stealing the No. 1 spot from Kuemper with his impressive play, quick reflexes and right-hand catch down the stretch.

The 30-year-old netminder has saved eight goals above expected, which ranks eighth among NHL goaltenders with at least 48 games played this season, and he has a .909 save percentage.

This season hasn't exactly gone according to plan for Kuemper, who is in the second season of a five-year, $26.25 million contract he inked in 2022, as he has a .890 save percentage and 3.31 GAA through 33 games while saving -4.8 goals above expected.

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His last game 10 days ago packed promise, though, as he stopped 41 of 44 shots in a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes but gave his team a chance to win until the final buzzer.

It wouldn't be the first time that Washington turns to Lindgren for both games of an important back-to-back, as they did that in January in a back-to-back series with the New York Rangers. While he couldn't pick up wins in both games, he did have a strong, consistent showing in both outings.

Starting twice for the Capitals would bring Lindgren to 50 starts on the year. Since Feb. 12, no goaltender has faced more shots or saved more shots than No. 79.

Washington faces Boston at 7 p.m. on Monday before heading to Philadelphia for the second game of a back-to-back to close out the year. That puck drop is also at 7 p.m.