After initially declining the invitation in recent weeks, Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren has had a change of heart and will now join Team USA at the Worlds, the team announced. He’ll take the place of Detroit’s Alex Lyon who was the number one goalie to start the event before suffering a hand injury, ending his tourney prematurely. The 30-year-old had a breakout year, earning the starting job in Washington while putting up a 2.67 GAA along with a .911 SV% and a league-high six shutouts in 50 games, helping to lead them to the playoffs before being swept in the opening round.
Elsewhere in the East:
- Although he exited Friday’s game late in the third with an undisclosed injury, Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola is fine, head coach Paul Maurice told reporters including team reporter Jameson Olive. The 28-year-old plays a key role on Florida’s back end, logging over 20 minutes a night during the regular season while recording nearly 200 hits. His playing time has dipped slightly in the playoffs but he’s still fourth in defensive ATOI, checking in at 18:30 per game. Through the first two rounds, Mikkola has a pair of points along with 17 blocks and 33 hits.
- The Rangers have returned goaltender Dylan Garand to AHL Hartford, relays Mollie Walker of the New York Post (Twitter link). He had been brought up earlier in the week to briefly serve as the third-string emergency goalie with Louis Domingue not at 100%. With Olof Lindbom believed to have been injured last game, Garand should get the nod against Hershey tonight in the second game of the Atlantic Division Finals. Garand had a save percentage of just .898 during the regular season but that sits at .931 in seven playoff appearances so far.