Capitals’ John Carlson Named NHL’s First Star Of The Week

Photo: 106.7 The Fan – Radio.com

The NHL announced on Monday afternoon that Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson was named the league’s first star of the week after notching three goals, six points, and a +5 rating in three games.

⭐ @JohnCarlson74 collected 3-3—6, including two game-winning goals, to propel the @Capitals into first place in the overall NHL standings.

His six-point week helped Washington sweep a three-game road trip through California for the first time in franchise history. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/9odVbgSMPA

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 9, 2019

Carlson posted three points (including one goal) in the Capitals’ 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday before recording two goals in the team’s 3-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings the next night. Carlson tied Al MacInnis and Denis Potvin for most points by a defenseman in their team’s first 30 games since 1974-75, when the Capitals entered the NHL.

The 29-year old is currently riding a four-game point streak, where he has recorded three goals and seven points.

Carlson currently leads all NHL defensemen with 11 goals and the league with a +20 rating this season. His 32 assists rank third in the league while his 43 points are tied with Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak for fifth.

From NHL

Carlson registered 3-3—6, including two game-winning goals, in three contests to propel the Capitals (22-4-5, 49 points) to a perfect week and into first place in the overall NHL standings. Carlson posted his sixth three-point performance of the season, as well as his third game-winning goal, in a 5-2 triumph over the San Jose Sharks Dec. 3 (1-2—3). He then scored twice, including the decisive goal, in a 3-1 victory against the Los Angeles Kings Dec. 4. Carlson closed the week with one assist in a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks Dec. 6, helping Washington sweep a three-game road trip through California for the first time in franchise history. The 29-year-old Natick, Mass., native tops NHL defensemen in goals (11), assists (32), points (43) and game-winning goals (4) through 31 outings this season. Only two other blueliners in League history have recorded as many points through their team’s first 31 games of a campaign: Bobby Orr (5x, most recently in 1974-75: 21-37—58 w/ BOS) and Al MacInnis (1990-91: 13-31—44 w/ CGY).