The Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres go head to head tonight at 7 p.m. on Monumental Sports Network as well as the NHL Network. For more on how to watch click here. If you play fantasy, here's who to add to your lineup. Read on for the key players to watch in tonight's game.
We're going to start this exercise with a defensemen. Before we do we'll say Washington ranks fourth in the NHL in penalty kill percentage at a 84.2 percent rate this season. Washington has also allowed the fewest goals against in the third period this season at 28.
#3 John Carlson
John Carlson recorded a primary assist on Dec. 31 against the Boston Bruins, his 21st of the season. His 21 assists rank tied for 13th among NHL defensemen. Carlson is two points shy of becoming the 31st defensemen in NHL history to record 700 career points as he enters the game against Buffalo at 698.
Carlson can also become the sixth active blueliner with 700 career points and the 13th defensemen in NHL history to record 700 career points with one franchise. Carlson, who's in his 16th season with the Washington Capitals, is the franchise all time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points among defensemen.