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Washington Capitals: Top 3 players to watch against Predators

By Michael Marzzacco

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 15: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on November 15, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 15: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on November 15, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 15: John Carlson #74 of the Washington Capitals battles for the puck against Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on January 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 15: John Carlson #74 of the Washington Capitals battles for the puck against Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on January 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

#2 John Carlson

Before the season I predicted that John Carlson was going to be named alternate captain after Brooks Orpik’s retirement. I stood correct as the Capitals awarded him the “A” patch just prior to the season opener in St. Louis.

After finding out he was named the second alternate captain, Carlson told Samantha Pell of The Washington Post (subscription required):

"“It is an honor. It means a lot to me. It is something that whether I got it or ever did get it, you know, it wouldn’t really change necessarily how I would change going about things, but I think I’ve been around some really good leaders over my years here and looking forward to stepping up.”"

Carlson has stepped up already, recording five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in each of Washington’s first four games on the season. He’s tied for first in the NHL in points and Tuesday’s game against the Stars saw Carlson record two assists for his 85th career multi-point game.

Per the game notes, Carlson’s 85 multi-point games are tied with Larry Murphy for the sixth most multi-point games by a defenseman in franchise history.

Coming off of two great seasons and a solid start to this one, Carlson could make a serious case for the Norris Trophy this year.

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