Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Year in Review: John Carlson

September 17, 2020, 9:58 AM ET [0 Comments]
Brian Sickles
Washington Capitals Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Hello,

Here is the year in review for John Carlson:

Player Name: John Carlson
Age: 30
Cap Hit: $8million per year for six more years through end of 2025-2026 season
2019-2020 Regular Season Stats: 15G, 60A, 75 Points in 69 games played
2019-2020 Post Season Stats: 0-6-6 in five games played

John Carlson had a career year posting a 15-60-75 stat line. His point total is the highest he has ever scored, and he did it in 11 less games! As Joe Beninati would say himself, Carlson was simply sensational! To many Caps fans, his burst onto the scene as a Norris Trophy front-runner was no surprise. Carlson has been top ten in Norris Trophy votes in three of the last five seasons, and top five in votes in the previous two. It was only a matter of time!

In the last 15 seasons, only seven other defensemen have racked up more points than Carlson’s 75. Keep in mind, Carlson did this in 69 games. At one point of the season, he was on pace for well over 100 points. Of his 60 assists, 39 of the them were primary assists while the remaining 21 were secondary. That is a very impressive 65% primary assist percentage. He is top five in the league in with .610 even-strength goals per 60 min of ice time. He ranked 11th in the league in shot percentage. There is no question, his offense was the best in the league this year for defensemen. Now what about his actual defense?

In terms of his defensive stats, I can’t find an overwhelming number of stats to back up any “take” so this portion of the blog will be more subjective than I would like. Carlson’s defense was honestly good but not great this season. During the playoffs, he was routinely beat and beat bad. Matt Barzel made him look silly in that game three OT winner. Yes, he was coming off an injury and yes Matt Barzel is one of the fastest players in the league. Carlson clearly wasn't 100% but all well, no excuses. His on-ice goals-against average during the regular season improved from .78 to .71 goals-against per game. A slight improvement from the season before. He ranked 34th in the league in blocked shots for Dmen. Carlson also logged the 7th most minutes at 1700 this season. He is favored to win the Norris Trophy largely because his offensive production clearly makes up for any weakness he may or may not have as a defender.

RANDOM FUN FACT:

John Carlson has played 757 career games and has totaled 478 points. Victor Hedman has played 762 games and has totaled 473 points. Slight edge to Carlson!

Other highlights from the season for Carlson:

1. Became the franchise leader for points for a defenseman (478 points)
2. Became the franchise leader in assists for a defenseman (373 assists)
3. Tied for the franchise lead in GWG (24)
4. Became first defenseman since Paul Coffey in 94-95 to score 50 points in the first 40 games of a season.
5. 2nd All Star Game appearance in a row
6. 2nd place in NHL hardest shot competition. He won the previous year

All in all, it was an incredible year for Carlson! I expect him to be top three in the Norris running again next season as well.

Thanks for reading.
Join the Discussion: » 0 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Brian Sickles
» Ovechkin Breaks Gordie Howe's Record for Most Goals with One Team
» WSH 1, DET 3 - Ovechkin Ties Howe in Detroit
» WSH 0, DAL 2 - Caps Blanked by Oettinger and Stars
» WSH 6, NJD 3 - Washington Capitalizes on Blackwood's Off Night
» WSH 4, LAK 3 - Caps Mount Another Third Period Comeback