The Washington Capitals have made a significant move by recalling goaltender Clay Stevenson from the AHL’s Hershey Bears, just ahead of a crucial Game 5 showdown against the Carolina Hurricanes. This decision underscores the team’s commitment to bolstering their goaltending options as they face critical playoff pressure.
Stevenson, 26, recently made his NHL debut in the Capitals’ last regular season game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Although he faced a 5-2 loss, his performance caught the attention of head coach Spencer Carbery, demonstrating his potential as a valuable asset for the Capitals.
After his debut, Stevenson returned to Hershey on May 1, where he made an impressive comeback by securing his first career AHL playoff victory last week. He played a key role in the Bears’ 6-4 win, contributing 28 saves to extend their playoff run to a decisive Game 5 against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Despite being replaced by Hunter Shepard for that Game 5, the Bears advanced to the next round following a 4-2 victory.
During the AHL season, Stevenson compiled an 18-8-4 record, with a goals-against average of 2.94 and an .888 save percentage across 33 games. His experience also includes serving as a backup during the Bears’ prior success, where they captured the Calder Cup.
Currently, the Capitals’ goaltending roster features four players, including Stevenson, Mitchell Gibson, Logan Thompson, and Charlie Lindgren, reflecting their strategic depth at this critical time in the season.
The recall of Stevenson adds an element of fresh energy to the Capitals as they navigate the playoffs, providing hope for fans in their quest for victory.