John Carlson sits fourth in the league in time on ice per game (26:57). The Caps cannot lose him, which is why the following play was even more harrowing to watch than it would be normally.
In the first period, Carlson took a puck to the throat after a Tyler Johnson slap shot ramped up his stick.
The play looked scary.
Here’s another look.
Carlson immediately grabbed his throat after absorbing the shot and skated to the bench, where he was in extreme distress.
But surprise surprise, Carlson didn’t miss a shift. Carlson received 7:31 of ice time, which led all defenseman except for Matt Niskanen. His nine first period shifts were a team-high.
Earlier in the day, the Carlsons revealed that they are expecting their second child, a boy, in the spring. Thank goodness Papa C is okay.
