Top 3 key Capitals to watch against Canadiens

#2 John Carlson

John Carlson recorded two assists on Sunday against the New York Rangers, marking his seventh multi point game this season and the 141st of his career. Having Carlson back is great and had he stayed healthy I really think he could’ve had a career year.

Carlson’s 141 multi point games are the sixth most among active defenseman while his 87 career multi assist games are the seventh most among active blue liners.

Carlson has recorded five points in five games since returning to the Capitals lineup on March 23 with one goal and four assists. He ranks first on the Capitals in ice time per game at 23:26 and tied for first in points and second in shots with 14 during that five game stretch.

In addition, Carlson has posted a 51.8 shot attempt percentage at five on five which leads Capitals defenseman since March 23. He has recorded 26 points in 35 games this season with nine goals and 17 assists. That’s a 0.74 points per game. That is the third highest among Washington’s skaters this season. His 26 points rank tied for first among Capitals defensemen.

Carlson missed 36 straight games from Dec. 27 to March 21 due to injury. At the time of his injury, he led the Capitals in time on ice per game with 23:24 and ranked tied for fourth on the team in points.