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.
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.
“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.
