Capitals' Lindgren Earns Hart & Vezina Votes At NHL Awards

LAS VEGAS — Not only did Charlie Lindgren play his way into the starter's crease for the Washingotn Capitals, but he also played his way into the MVP conversation across the NHL.

The 30-year-old netminder finished 12th in Hart voting, awarded annually to "the most valuable player to his team in the National Hockey League, voted by the members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association." He received one fifth-place vote (disclaimer: the vote came from THN).

Lindgren also earned one third-place vote for the Vezina, which goes to the NHL's best goaltender as voted on by NHL general managers.

In his second full season up at the NHL level, Lindgren went from a definitive backup to D.C.'s bonafide starter thanks to his quick reflexes, impressive puck tracking and creative style of play, which helped him take the reins from Darcy Kuemper.

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Lindgren appeared in 50 games for the Capitals, boasting a 25-16-7 record with a .911 save percentage and 2.67 GAA to lead Washington back to the postseason. From Jan. 16 onward, Lindgren led all NHL netminders in saves (836) and minutes played (1887:06) to close out the regular season.

The Lakeville, Minnesota native has one more year left on his contract at $1.1 million, but he could very well earn an extension as he officially becomes the new starter with Kuemper off to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Related: After Watching Old Friend Dylan Strome Find A Home With The Capitals, Pierre-Luc Dubois Is Hoping He Can Do The Same

With Lindgren taking sole ownership of the No. 1 job, Washington will either look to add a veteran goaltender in the offseason or promote Hershey Bears netminder Hunter Shepard to be the backup. Clay Stevenson could also make a case for NHL ice time, though he'll benefit more from starting games as he enters his second full AHL season.