Hunter Shepard Recalled To Capitals, Will Make NHL Debut Wednesday

The Washington Capitals have recalled goalie Hunter Shepard and will start him on Wednesday against New Jersey, head coach Spencer Carbery said Tuesday.

Shepard, 27, will make his NHL debut as part of a back-to-back, relieving Darcy Kuemper who starts Tuesday night against Toronto. Shepard replaces Clay Stevenson on the roster as the No. 2 goalie, an opportunity created when Charlie Lindgren went on injured reserve on Thursday.

In two games with the Hershey Bears this season, Shepard has a record of 2-0-0. He holds a goals against average of 2.88 and a save percentage of 0.885.

Last season, Shepard was honored with the Jack Butterfield Award as the most valuable player of the AHL’s playoffs as he guided the Bears to their 12th Calder Cup.