Games

John Carlson Scores Goal In Return to Lineup, Three Months to the Day of Serious Head Injury

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Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson wasted no time making an impact in his return to the lineup against the Chicago Blackhawks, picking up his ninth goal of the 2022-23 season.

The goal came in the third period on the power play and was assisted by Nicklas Backstrom and Dylan Strome.

Carlson suffered a serious head injury three months to the day on December 23, 2022, taking a slapshot from former teammate Brenden Dillon to the side of the head, an injury that fractured his skull and laceration of his temporal artery.

The goal was Carlson’s second point of the game, having picked up an assist on a goal by Nicklas Backstrom earlier in the contest.

By Michael Fleetwood