Capitals’ defenseman John Carlson is reportedly being evaluated after taking a high hit to the head in the final minute of Game 5 from Pittsburgh Penguins’ forward Jake Guentzel.
During his post-game press conference, Capitals Coach Barry Trotz said Carlson was being evaluated after taking an “unsuspecting high hit” to the head from Guentzel. Trotz also said that he expects the League to take a look at the hit now that “the standard has been set” with the suspension of Capitals forward Tom Wilson for a hit where the main point of contact was the head. Trotz was clearly frustrated by the hit.
WNST.NET’s Ed Frankovic reported that Carlson was fielding questions from the media after the game, something unusual for a player who sustained a head hit.
No whining from John Carlson on the late and high Guentzel hit when asked about it. Carly basically shrugged the question off and waited for the next one.
— Ed Frankovic (@EdFrankovic) May 6, 2018
It has been a busy 24 hours for Carlson. Trotz announced at this morning’s press conference following the morning skate that Carlson and his wife Gina welcomed their second child last night, a son. Carlson said that he and his wife have not had time to decide on a name for the newborn.
Carlson had an impressive performance in Game 5, scoring a power-play goal to tie the game at 1-1.
2x DAD STRENGTH! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/QGW2lzf7we
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 6, 2018
Guentzel’s hit on Carlson wasn’t their first encounter of the game. Carlson dumped Guentzel early in the first period.
John Carlson tells Jake Guentzel to take a seat.
Stream #CapsPens live: https://t.co/nGXmEncjcw pic.twitter.com/gGbeGrB8f5
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) May 5, 2018
By Harrison Brown