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Capitals: Top 3 key players to watch against Islanders

By Michael Marzzacco

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 04: Capitals left wing Alexander Alex Ovechkin (8) taps the cup of defenseman John Carlson (74) with his stick as part of a pregame ritual during warm ups before the Los Angeles Kings vs. Washington Capitals NHL game on February 4, 2020 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 04: Capitals left wing Alexander Alex Ovechkin (8) taps the cup of defenseman John Carlson (74) with his stick as part of a pregame ritual during warm ups before the Los Angeles Kings vs. Washington Capitals NHL game on February 4, 2020 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 08: Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) warms up for the game against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 8, 2020 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 08: Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) warms up for the game against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 8, 2020 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

John Carlson

Despite being held off the scoresheet last game, John Carlson still leads all NHL defensemen with 51 assists. Per the game notes, he reached the 50 assist plateau in his 54th game setting the franchise record for the fewest games to reach the mark by a defensemen. Carlson bested Mike Green’s previous low by nine games from the 2009-10 season.

Carlson’s 51 assists are tied with Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers for second in the league and he needs just three to tie Leon Draisaitl. Perhaps he starts a play, sets it up for an Ovechkin one timer for his 699th or 700th tonight?

Among defensemen, Carlson is 11 points ahead of Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators and is third among defensemen in goals with 14.

Look for Carlson to continue to be on the top pair with Michal Kempny. Their Corsi For percentage is at 48.29 percent. That’s not bad but it should be better. Without each other it goes up, Carlson’s to 55.90 when he’s not with Kempny  on the ice. Look for Reirden to potentially shuffle the pairs if things don’t look good in the early going.

Aside from John Carlson and the obvious, who else is there to watch tonight?

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