Capitals' Logan Thompson Shines in Win Against Islanders
Full Transcript
In a decisive matchup on November 30, 2025, the Washington Capitals claimed a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders, largely thanks to the standout performance of goaltender Logan Thompson. Throughout the game, Thompson faced significant pressure from the Islanders, who dominated early with 70.3 percent of the expected goals in the first period, generating ten scoring chances and five high-danger opportunities.
However, Thompson's resilience shone through as he made approximately ten grade-A saves, including a spectacular glove save on Anders Lee during a 2-on-1 break and a full split to stop Mathew Barzal's wraparound attempt.
His ability to keep the Capitals in contention despite their sluggish start was pivotal, with defenseman Matt Roy praising Thompson's performance postgame, stating, 'He definitely kept us in it and gave us a chance to win.' Head coach Spencer Carbery echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that Thompson bailed the team out during their struggles, allowing them to find their footing and eventually secure the win.
Thompson ended the game with 30 saves on 31 shots, saving 3.21 goals more than expected, according to MoneyPuck. This victory marked Thompson's third consecutive win, improving his season record to 11-6-1, with a goals-against average of 2.08 and a save percentage of .916.
Notably, Thompson ranks second in the NHL for goals saved above expected. The Capitals' offensive efforts were bolstered by Tom Wilson, who scored two goals, including a power-play goal that helped stabilize the team after Thompson's early heroics.
Wilson's performance highlighted the Capitals' improved special teams, and he is currently on pace to score 47 goals this season. Team captain Alex Ovechkin also added to the scoreline with an empty-net goal, marking his 909th career goal, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier scorers.
The Capitals now embark on a crucial four-game road trip, with Thompson set to face off against former foes from his time with the Vegas Golden Knights. This victory sets a positive tone for the road ahead, underscoring the importance of Thompson's role in the Capitals' defensive strategy and their ability to clinch vital wins in the competitive NHL landscape.