After signing a big contract last summer, John Carlson seems determined to deliver a return on the Washington Capitals’ investment. When he set up Alex Ovechkin for a one-timer goal in Sunday’s game, Carlson earned the 15th assist and 18th point of his season.
Racking up so many points in just 10 games puts Carlson in the company of legendary defenders like Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey.
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Early in the third period, the top line was on the attack. Carlson corralled the puck along the boards and sent it directly Ovechkin, who was in a familiar spot.
Alex Ovechkin. With authority. That's career no. 664. pic.twitter.com/7j5DmIgPgh
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) October 21, 2019
That was the fifth time this season Carlson has set up Alex Ovechkin for a goal. Four of the five have been primary assist. (Just one of Ovechkin’s goals has come without the help of Carlson.)
NBC and the NHL dropped this stunning stat on us. We knew 18 points was a lot through ten games, but we didn’t yet know that Carlson’s in the company of giants here.
John Carlson. Historically good. pic.twitter.com/ceH7JvSCEH
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) October 21, 2019
John Carlson of the @Capitals is the third different defenseman in NHL history to record 18+ points through his team’s first 10 games in a season. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/PF7FXc8JF6
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 21, 2019
Eleven of Carlson’s points are primary (he either scored the goal or got the primary assist). More than half of his points have come during five-on-five play. The Caps are shooting around 10 percent during Carlson’s shifts, which is high, but not that high. The guy is just producing right now.
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Blackhawks
Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington
