Charlie Lindgren He was officially registered with Team USA and participated in his first practice for the IIHF World Championship on Monday morning.
The Outlaw wore a black jersey for the first time in the playoffs since the Washington Capitals were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Rangers. The Capitals announced Lindgren’s intention to join Team USA last weekend after initially declining an earlier invitation.
Team USA needed a replacement in net after starting goaltender Alex Ryan was injured early in the tournament, leaving them with only two goaltenders. Lindgren arrives in the Czech Republic and will likely take the starting reins from Detroit Red Wings prospect Trey Augustin and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Alex Nedeljkovic.
Lindgren previously represented the United States at the 2018 IIHF World Championship but did not play in a game. He will join a U.S. team this year that already features Capitals top prospect Ryan Leonard.
The 30-year-old backstop is completing his first year in the NHL, posting a 25-16-7 record with a 2.67 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and six shutouts.
Team USA currently sits in second place in Group B after defeating Kazakhstan 10-1 on Sunday. They amassed an overall record of 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, including a regulation loss to Sweden and an overtime loss to Martin Fehervary’s Slovak team.
Lindgren’s first chance to suit up for his country will be Tuesday’s final group stage match against Latvia. The quarterfinals of the tournament begin on May 23rd.
