WASHINGTON (7News) — The Washington Capitals finished the season atop the Eastern Conference standings in the NHL. A primary reason was Logan Thompson’s goaltending.

The 28-year-old was stellar between the pipes for the Capitals this season, ranking second in winning percentage (72.09). Thompson told 7News that his success this season was due to more experience, comfort, and confidence.

“I think that plays a big part of mental aspect. It plays a big part. I don’t think people realize how mental pro sports are. We are humans at the end of the day, but I’ve been nothing but happy in Washington, and I think that’s been a big part of it on the ice when I’m having fun. I think that’s my play, my best hockey,” Thompson added on his mentality this season.

Thompson started 43 regular-season games, going 31-6-6 in those starts.

Thompson is an All-Star in 2023, who said he’s been on top of his game this season:

It’s definitely a zone. It’s a weird feeling to describe, but you almost block everything out. The puck just seems so big, comes at you almost very slow. There’s really no words to describe it. You’re not really thinking about hockey. You’re just going out there and playing, everything is hitting you, and you just feel like a magnet, almost.

Thompson ranked among the league’s best in several categories: his 2.49 goals against average was seventh best. His .910 save percentage was ninth best in the league, and he had two shutouts this season.

However, this season, Thompson was snubbed as a finalist in the Vezina Trophy race.

It was somewhat of a homecoming for Thompson as he rejoined the franchise after playing for the Capitals’ ECHL affiliate – the South Carolina Stingrays- in 2019-2020. Thompson knew the fit was right after he was acquired in a draft weekend trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, with whom Thompson won a Stanley Cup in 2023.

“It’s just the group of guys that they have in this dress room. I click really well with them, and the coaching staff obviously knew me from years before. I think it’s just been a good fit. I always had a good relationship here, and, couldn’t be happy to be back.”

Thompson will be back for another six years after signing an extension back in January:

You never know what hockey, where you’ll end up. And like I said, couldn’t be happy to be a Capital for six more years.

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With a Stanley Cup already on his resume, Thompson believes this team has what it takes to win one this season, saying, “Sometimes you can’t even put a word to it, but there’s this special feeling in that dressing room, and just with the leaders we have and the veterans we have. I think we can do something really special.”