Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Defenseman John Carlson recorded three assists in the Washington Capitals‘ 5-2 win over the New York Rangers on Friday night to extend his point-streak to six games, where he has recorded three goals and 14 points. He also notched three points for the second consecutive game for only the second time in his career and the first since December 2011.
In addition, the 29-year old hit the 15-point plateau and became the 15th active NHL defenseman to do so in one month. His 16 points this month are the most any Capitals defenseman has recorded in one month since Mike Green (nine goals, 20 points) in February 2009.
Carlson became the first Capitals defenseman to hit the 15-point mark in October.
Carlson’s three three-point performances in his first nine games are tied for the third-most in NHL history behind Paul Reinhart of the Vancouver Canucks (1989-90) and Paul Coffey of the Pittsburgh Penguins (1988-89), who each had four.
Carlson’s 17 points are currently tied with Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid for the league lead.
After entering the season with five career games with at least three assists, Carlson has recorded three such games, including two in a row, this year.
Carlson will look to continue his historic start to the season when the Capitals visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night.
By Harrison Brown
“Tectonic” I would say. That’s the difference between the Washington Capitals with Kuznetsov and Kempny … and the same Caps without Kuznetsov and Kempny. It’s a Tectonic shift.
If the Caps can continue the season with these two players, healthy and consistent, then they are the proverbial “Stanley Cup Contenders.” Otherwise we continue to tear out our scalp hairs and wonder “What’s wrong with the Caps?”
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