Logan Thompson came into Friday night’s game between the Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks just wanting to secure two standings points for the Caps. The 28-year-old backstop had run into a rough patch in an otherwise stellar 2025-26 season, posting a 1-5-1 record in his last seven starts before puck drop at United Center.

With a brilliant 23-save effort against a young Blackhawks team that got star center Connor Bedard back from injury for the contest, Thompson finally notched his second win in eight starts. According to MoneyPuck, he saved 2.2 more goals than expected in the 5-1 victory, which is much more like what Thompson is accustomed to this season.

“Yeah, I feel like I was cursed for a while,” Thompson said postgame. “I’ve been feeling pretty good about my game, but couldn’t find a way to get a point or two points. Really happy. The guys in front of me were tremendous tonight – made my life easy. Just happy to get the two points. I didn’t care how many goals I let in today; I just wanted to win.”

In January, Thompson has made four starts, beating just the Blackhawks for a 1-2-1 record with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. Overall this season, he is 16-12-4 with a 2.35 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage, and two shutouts.

Thompson, recently named to Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, allowed just one goal in Friday’s win, a power-play strike from rookie Oliver Moore at the 8:48 mark of the second period. Before that, he played a huge part in the Capitals killing off an almost full two-minute, five-on-three advantage for the Blackhawks.

“I think I was cheating a bit on that goal,” Thompson said. “I don’t like that goal that I gave up. That’s one that I think I can make a save on. I was playing the guy back door. You look for that a lot. I thought the guys did a good job of letting me make the reads. Credit to the PK, it wasn’t easy tonight. They’re missing some guys, but that’s one of the best power plays in the league.”

The win came in front of the team’s dads and other family members as the first game of two on this year’s Mentors’ Trip. While many of the Capitals credited the presence of their dads and mentors as a boost to their performance, Thompson joked that his dad, Mark Thompson, might be more of a detriment to his game.

“My dad’s a bit of a pain in the ass – goalie dad,” Thompson said. “It’s been fun. It’s good that they’re here. Like I said, I’m happy I won and happy we got the win for them. Enjoying it, and now we get to go to Nashville with smiles on our faces and a happy plane ride.”

With the Capitals being on their annual Mentors’ Trip, Charlie Lindgren will likely get the net for the team against the Nashville Predators on Sunday night. Thompson’s next start would then probably come against the Montreal Canadiens at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.