The Washington Capitals announced Thursday afternoon that they have returned goaltender Zach Fucale and defenseman Gabriel Carlsson to AHL Hershey. The moves make room on the roster for the expected returned of defenseman John Carlson and goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
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ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have loaned goaltender Zach Fucale and defenseman Gabriel Carlsson to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.
Fucale, 27, has posted a record of 19-10-2 with one shutout, a 2.57 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage in 33 games with Hershey this season. The 6’2”, 193-pound goaltender ranks tied for sixth in the AHL in wins.
Fucale appeared in four games with Washington during the 2021-22 season, posting a record of 1-1-1 with a 1.75 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. Fucale stopped all 21 shots faced in his NHL and Capitals debut at Detroit on Nov. 11, 2021, becoming the first Capital in franchise history to record a shutout in his debut. Additionally, Fucale set an NHL record for the longest career-opening shutout sequence (138:07), passing former Minnesota Wild goaltender Matt Hackett’s mark of 102:48 by over 35 minutes at Minnesota on Jan. 8.
The Laval, Quebec native appeared in 31 games with Hershey in 2021-22, posting an 11-15-5 record with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage. The 6’2”, 189-pound goaltender recorded three shutouts, which led Hershey and set an AHL single-season career high. In 144 career AHL games with Hershey, the Syracuse Crunch, Chicago Wolves, Laval Rocket and St. John’s IceCaps, Fucale has a record of 67-59-11 with seven shutouts, a 2.76 goals-against average and .901 save percentage.
Fucale was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 36th overall, in the 2013 NHL Draft.
Carlsson, 26, has recorded two assists in six games with Washington this season. Carlsson made his Capitals debut and recorded his first career multi-point game on March 4 at San Jose.
The 6’5”, 207-pound defenseman has recorded 13 points (1g, 12a) in 47 games with Hershey this season. Carlsson has posted a team-high +22 plus/minus rating and ranks third among Bears defensemen in assists and fourth in points.
The Orebro, Sweden native recorded nine points (2g, 7a) in 38 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021-22, establishing single-season career highs in goals, assists, points and games played, while leading Blue Jackets defensemen in plus/minus (+6). Carlsson also appeared in two games with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters last season, where he registered two assists.
Carlsson has recorded 18 points (3g, 15a) in 81 career NHL games with Columbus. In 193 career AHL games with Hershey and Cleveland, Carlsson has recorded 45 points (7g, 38a).
Carlsson was selected by Columbus in the first round, 29th overall, in the 2015 NHL Draft.
The Capitals host the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at Capital One Arena for the second and final meeting between the teams this season.
The Bears return to action on Friday when they visit the Rochester Americans. Puck drop is set for 7:05PM.
Any word on Clay? Bears and Stingrays both have him listed on their rosters. Rays have not brought in any other goalie to back up Tyler this weekend (Garin is also still listed). Games Sat and Sun.
And is Maass staying in Hershey?
No official word yet, Fyre.
Hey Nova I wish Benton. Good luck and thumbs. him up before the game
Thanks, I do as well. I just wonder if “the game” is going to be with the Bears or Rays. Both are fighting for playoff spots with better chances than the Caps.