Photo: @Capitals
The Washington Capitals’ 6-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday proved to be a big milestone night for multiple players. In addition to Alex Ovechkin reaching another power play milestone, and new addition Anthony Mantha’s first goal and points, defenseman John Carlson assisted on two goals, allowing him to reach 400 career Assists in his 800th NHL/Capitals game.
Only seven players have played in more career games for the franchise than Carlson: Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Calle Johansson, Peter Bondra, Kelly Miller, and Dale Hunter. In addition, he became just the fourth-ever player in the 47-year history of the franchise to reach the 400-mark in helpers, followers, Backstrom (the franchise leader), Ovechkin, and Michal Pivonka.
Becoming the 8th player (2nd defenceman) to reach 800 career games with the @Capitals tonight, John Carlson’s pair of helpers have also made him the 4th player to reach 400 assists with the WSH franchise. Others: Nicklas Backstrom (713), Alex Ovechkin (589), Michal Pivonka (418) pic.twitter.com/JJWF5imsKZ
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) April 14, 2021
Carlson’s 37 points in the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season rank tied for second among league blueliners and he is tops in even-strength points.
John Carlson’s 37 points (10g, 27a) in 43 games this season rank tied for second among NHL defensemen. Additionally, Carlson leads all defensemen in even strength points with 24 (7g, 17a).
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 14, 2021
Carlson’s first assist of the game and 399th career helper came on a Nicklas Backstrom power play goal at 16:25 of the first period, which gave the Caps a 3-1 lead. The 400th milestone assist came on Carl Hagelin’s goal nearly two minutes later, at 18:21, to put the Caps ahead 4-1.
*Carl has entered the chat* pic.twitter.com/RxzRNaM4iw
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 13, 2021
Carlson now has a total of 515 points (115 goals, 500 assists) in 800 career games, all with the Capitals. The former first-round pick (27th overall in 2008) ranks third among defenseman (12th overall) from his draft class in Goals, third (fourth overall) in Assists, and and third (fifth overall) in total Points.
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By Diane Doyle
