Capitals Face Injury Challenges with Key Players on IR

The Washington Capitals are facing significant injury challenges as they placed goaltender Charlie Lindgren and forward Ryan Leonard on injured reserve. Lindgren, who has a 3.11 goals-against average this season, was a late scratch before a recent game against Anaheim due to an upper-body injury, and Capitals coach Spencer Carbery indicated he would miss at least seven days.

Leonard, a rookie with seven goals and 11 assists, suffered an upper-body injury after being hit by Jacob Trouba and is expected to be out for an extended period. In response to these injuries, Washington recalled forward Bogdan Trineyev and goaltender Garin Bjorklund from the AHL's Hershey Bears, while Clay Stevenson was returned to Hershey after serving as a backup in their 2-0 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Capitals will need to adapt quickly to these absences as they prepare for their upcoming games, particularly with Lindgren and Leonard being key contributors to the team's success so far this season.