John Carlson
John Carlson recorded two assists in Washington’s 6-1 win over the Ottawa Senators to bring his total to 41 on the season. He became the seventh defenseman since 1979-80 to record 41 assists in his team’s first 44 games and the first since Paul Coffey, Phil Housley, and Brian Leetch in the 1991-92 season.
Carlson now has 354 career assists, passing Peter Bondra (353) for the eighth most assists all-time in franchise history. Carlson leads all NHL defensemen this season in assists and with 54 pints as well as fourth in goals with 13. Additionally, Carlson is fifth among all players with his 41 assists.
For the second straight year, Carlson will represent the Caps at the All Star Game. He’s the seventh defensemen in franchise history to receive multiple ASG selections.
Carlson is on pace for 98 points but if he keeps his torrid pace up maybe he’ll reach the century mark. Only five defensemen in the history of the NHL have recorded over 100 points.
Carlson was born in Massachusetts but raised in New Jersey and goes up against his childhood team. Those are your top 3 players to watch tonight. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.