With the elimination of Team USA and Team Slovakia from the IIHF World Championship Thursday in Prague, the Washington Capitals no longer have any representation at this year’s tournament.
The Capitals had three players competing. They had goalie Charlie Lindgren and right-winger prospect Ryan Leonard suit up for Team USA. Defenceman Martin Fehervary played for his home country of Slovakia.
Capitals Players Eliminated at IIHF World Championship
Following up a stellar performance in the group stage, Lindgren stopped 27-of-28 shots for the Americans against Czechia. The lone goal was scored by the Bruins’ Pavel Zacha on a power play in the second period. It proved to be the dagger for Team USA, who was shut out by the Czechs, 1-0. Lindgren was named the United States’ player of the game after the loss.
The only goal scored in this game, and it sent Czechia to the semifinals ? #MensWorlds @czehockey pic.twitter.com/KUS512E3Ra
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 24, 2024
A late addition to Team USA, Lindgren made two starts at the tournament. Furthermore, he went 1-1 and finished the tournament with a .931 save percentage. Also, he took over as the starter in net after the team’s initial starter Alex Lyon was unable to come back from an injury suffered early in the group stage.
Lindgren initially turned down the invite to play for Team USA. However, he changed his mind after the Capitals were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren will represent the United States at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Czechia.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 18, 2024
Leonard saw action in six of the team’s eight games. In addition, he finished the tournament with one assist and 5:37 of ice time. The 19-year-old Boston College standout dressed as an extra forward in the last game for the Americans.
In a 6-3 loss to Canada, Fehrevary led the Slovaks in ice time at 22:57 minutes. He was also named Slovakia’s player of the game and ended the tournament with a goal, an assist and four penalty minutes served.
Team USA and Team Slovakia went head-to-head during the Group stage, with Fehrevary and the Slovaks taking the edge over the Americans in a 5-4 overtime decision on May 13.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
