In a Do-Or-Die Game 5, Logan Thompson Ready To 'Lay Absolutely Everything' On The Line To Keep The Capitals' Season Alive

Logan Thompson is ready to do whatever he can to help the Washington Capitals stave off elimination, and his teammates have all the confidence in him entering Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Logan Thompson has never been one to panic — and he’s doesn’t plan to start now, even with the season on the line for the Washington Capitals.

He’s well aware of the pressure and circumstances that face him and his team, on the verge of elimination and down 3-1 in the second round at the hands of the high-flying Carolina Hurricanes.

So, instead of getting too in his head, Thompson, cool and collected as ever, is approaching Thursday as he would any other game.

“There’s no point in stressing over it, just another hockey game,” Thompson said, adding, “Work as hard as we can and hopefully good things happen… No point in overthinking, it’s another game. Go out there and play.”

That said, Thompson’s not taking the challenge lightly; he’s proven to be one of the NHL’s top performers so far these playoffs, and he’s ready to show that again going into Game 5.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity… the city believes in me. I’m going to go out there and give it all I got,” Thompson said. “I’m not going to quit, and hopefully, it’s the best Thompson out there.”

Through nine playoff games so far, Thompson has posted a .918 save percentage, the second-best in the league among goalies with at least four games played this postseason, trailing only the man at the other end of the ice: Carolina’s Frederik Andersen. Not only that, but his mid-range save percentage of .947 ranks in the 89th percentile league-wide.

Though the last two games in Raleigh were shaky, with Thompson posting save percentages under .900, the Capitals have all the faith in the 28-year-old, while also promising to play better in front of him.

“He's made the saves when we needed it. We gave up, I don't know, four or five 2-on-1s last game. In the third period, obviously, we're chasing the game and chasing the goal, but we can't leave him out to dry like that,” Dylan Strome said. “We've got full confidence in him and what he has to do, and he's done it all year. He did it in the first round, he's done it in this round and I expect no different in Game 5."

Washington has only overcome a 3-1 series deficit over its 50-year history: once in 1988, and most recently in 2009 against the New York Rangers. It’s not an ideal spot to be in, but the Capitals have proven to be a resilient bunch — and with Thompson, they like their odds.

“These moments, when chips are in the middle of the table and our season’s on the line, he’s a pretty safe bet,” Carbery said. “You know he’s going to lay absolutely everything he’s got on the line for his teammates. He wants to win as bad as anybody in our room.”

Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.