Yahoo Sports Logan Thompson's Easy-Going Approach To Goaltending May Be A Bit Out There, But It's Working Wonders For The Capitals
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson stands by the fact that goalies are a bit different; though he won't classify himself as "weird," an adjective applied to several players who choose to don the pads night after night.
"I try not to be weird, but no one likes to get hit with pucks for a living," Thompson chuckled.
Goaltending is a tall order, one that requires a unique mentality and 60 minutes of concentration. Thompson first decided to take up the gig at a young age because he didn't think he was a good enough skater, and since then, he's mastered his craft.
A lot of that has to do with his approach to the game, which may be considered out there, especially for people who've never tended the net.
That's because his philosophy is simple, and goes against the grain for those who like to follow specific techniques and roadmaps to success.
"When I go out and play, I try to not think at all," Thompson said. "Just do."
Thompson's easy-going approach has helped him thrive in his first season with the Capitals. Through 14 games, he's 11-1-2 with a .913 save percentage, and he ranks eighth among all NHL netminders in goals saved above expected (8.8).
"You come to realize that you can't overthink things, especially in the NHL. I've been doing this long enough that you just got to go out there and trust your instincts," Thompson explained.
After his 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, where he stopped four breakaways in the third period, Thompson again reiterated the importance of "winging it."
That said, Thompson will try to tune out the outside noise and follow his gut, and not worry about things he can't control.
"Sometimes it works, and sometimes, it doesn't," he said. "You know, these are good players, some of the best players in the world. Sometimes, they're going to beat you."
Ultimately, his approach has made him a stronger netminder as he's climbed the ranks over his still-young career, and going forward, he plans to keep the same mentality for years to come.
"When you get in your own head is when you start to overthink things and think the game too much. That's kind of when mistakes creep into your game or mistakes happen," Thompson said. "I've tried to tune that out as best as I can."
