After T.J. Oshie reached the milestone of 1,000 career NHL games, it will be John Carlson’s turn as the Washington Capitals defenseman steps onto the ice on Saturday night against the Boston Bruins.
He becomes the 128th defenseman overall and the 22nd to achieve this milestone with a single franchise.
Carlson also joins the ranks as the 13th active defenseman to reach this accomplishment. Interestingly, despite growing up in New Jersey, Carlson was a fan of Boston sports teams because of his birthplace in Massachusetts. This meant he rooted for teams like the Patriots and the Red Sox during their successful periods, and he was also a fan of the Bruins, rather than the Devils.
“There are many factors beyond just the opponent that contribute to this achievement,” Carlson elaborated. “From that perspective, it’s a significant moment for many in my family. With my grandfather aging, it’s likely he’ll appreciate being able to watch it on TV.”
