Capitals defenseman John Carlson has had himself a magnificent start to the 2019-20 season, and gaining some much-deserved league-wide attention for his play. In the process, he has climbed his way up the NHL and franchise record books, and with a goal and two assists against the Florida Panthers on Thursday night, the former first-round pick passed longtime Capitals defenseman Kevin Hatcher on the franchise scoring list for defensemen.

Carlson’s goal came just 25 seconds into the opening frame against the Panthers, giving the Caps an early lead on the road.

Johnny Norris that was fast #CapsCats pic.twitter.com/qk5di4QSco

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 8, 2019

With the point, Carlson passed longtime blueline stalwart Kevin Hatcher for sole possession of third on the franchise scoring list for defensemen, with his 427th point of his Capitals/NHL career. Hatcher recorded 426 points (149 goals, 277 assists) in 685 games played in a Capitals’ sweater. Carlson passed him in his 705th game as a Capitals blueliner. The goal was Carlson’s eighth of the 2019-20 season and 98th of his NHL career, moving him into a tie with Scott Stevens for third all-time in franchise history in goals scored by a blueliner. Carlson added two assists in the game, tying him with Stevens for second in assists and points in franchise history by a blueliner, and is now one goal shy of moving into fifth in goals, one assist shy of second all-time in franchise history, and one point shy of second all-time in points.

By Michael Fleetwood