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It took 26 games, but Carl Hagelin finally scored a goal

By Ian Oland

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December 6, 2021 10:39 pm

Carl Hagelin is used almost exclusively as a defensive forward. His fourth line, when healthy, gets an abnormal amount of defensive zone draws. Carl also plays a big role on the Caps’ penalty kill. That means when Carl isn’t shanking his rare good chances – like breakaways or one-timers – there aren’t many opportunities for the 33-year-old Swede to light the lamp.

But Monday, Carl’s luck* finally changed against the Anaheim Ducks. Promoted to the second line with Lars Eller and TJ Oshie, Hagelin broke his long goalless streak after being fed a sensational pass by the Tiger.

Coming into tonight’s game, Carl had not scored in 25-consecutive games and had one goal in his last 38 stretching back to last season.

“It was a nice little tap-in,” an understated Hagelin, sporting a mustache, said at intermission to NBC Sports Washington’s Al Koken.

The Capitals, aware of Carl’s streak, were very excited when he scored.

Conor Sheary joked after the game that “I was sitting next to Carl on the bench. He said, ‘it was our time.’ I guess he was right.”

Carl has been one of the most snakebit players all season, putting the puck on net 32 times without hitting pay dirt.

“Everybody wants to contribute and everybody wants to be a part of it,” Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette said. “I’m happy he was able to get on the board tonight and get a goal. And maybe get going.”

Us, too. Way to go, Carl!

* Clearly, his luck changed because of Ovi Jr.

Headline photo: @catwater07/Twitter