Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

John Carlson taken to hospital after being struck by puck

Originally posted on DC Sports King
By King W. Motley III | Last updated 12/24/22

The Washington Capitals celebrated Alex Ovechkin moving into second on the NHL’s all-time goal list during a 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets Friday. However, Capitals defenseman John Carlson was transported to the hospital for a “precautionary evaluation” after being struck in the face with a puck off a shot from former teammate Brenden Dillon.

Really Hope John Carlson Is Ok pic.twitter.com/jRXvdIWaYr
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) December 24, 2022

The puck struck Carlson on the right side of his head in the first minute of the third period. Carlson exited the game going straight through the tunnel with a towel pressed against his head.

Carlson was unable to take in the celebration of Ovechkin’s milestone.

Alex Ovechkin bent over and appeared to say a prayer for John Carlson on the bench after his longtime teammate got hit in the head by a slap shot. Carlson immediately went down to the locker room and was bleeding profusely. pic.twitter.com/UVtXuH344m
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 24, 2022

“It’s tough that Carly wasn’t there tonight because he sits right next to Ovi and is such a loud, vocal piece inside the locker room,” Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette told reporters, per Capitals’ insider Mike Vogel.

Carlson is a cog in the Capitals on both ends of the ice. He has recorded 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 30 games this season.

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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