It’s early and small sample sizes are chaotic, but several Washington Capitals players are off to a statistically strong start to the season.
And it’s not the names you might think.
John Carlson has ten points on the season, leading all NHL defensemen, and is tied with Patrick Laine for third place in points among all NHL players.
Carlson is also tied with Connor McDavid for the league lead in assists with eight apiece.
For perspective, Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom each have five points for second-most on the Capitals.
Meanwhile, rookie goaltender Ilya Samsonov has the best goals-against average in the NHL and is tied with the Ducks’ John Gibson for best save percentage with 96.1 percent. Yes, he’s only played two games, but that qualifies. Our lil’ Russian bb is growing up.
Carlson had one goal and one assist while Samsonov made 24 saves against the Stars on Saturday, leading the Capitals to their first regulation win in Dallas since 1995.
THE JUMPING KEEP AND SNIPE! @JohnCarlson74 pic.twitter.com/zTIKDPCKqF
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 13, 2019
Fittingly, Samsonov had the Nationals’ hard hat for best player of the game which he received after his first win, and after the 4-1 win he passed it to Carlson.
Headline image: NBCSN
