John Carlson: Best D-man on Caps in 2013

Courtesy: Zimbio.com

Maybe it’s because Mike Green has been battling injuries and hasn’t been his usual self this season, but Capitals defenseman John Carlson has earned the title of “best defenseman” for Washington in 2013-14.

For the season, Carlson has four goals, four assists, eight total points and is playing to a -1 rating. The 23-year-old is averaging 23:39 for ice time each game and has seen those numbers jump with Green struggling to return to full health. Carlson also has a power play goal and is tied for second on the team with Green with 50 shots-on-goal.

With Green missing time and not playing to his fullest potential — Mike is still scoreless in 19 games this season — Carlson has stepped up and has filled in nicely.

It isn’t so much about the stat sheet telling the story with Carlson as it is his leadership and ability to orchestrate the defense when facing the opposing team’s top line more often than not. The five-year veteran has seen himself more involved in special teams this season as he has had to assume the top blue line role on the power play in Green’s absence. At times, he has been out of position and seems to get happy feet and has to play with more poise. However, he isn’t the reason why the Capitals’ power play has been struggling as of late. In fact, he’s been one of the bright spots as he tries to pepper the opposing goalie as much as possible in order to keep the chances up for Washington.

Carlson is also a great two-way defenseman. It’s nice when a guy at the back end can contribute offensively, but it’s also great when he can deliver on what he gets paid to do. He blocks shots, gets smart checks when needed and puts full effort each and every shift. There’s a reason he’s been seeing a few more shifts as of late and it’s because head coach Adam Oates knows he has a budding star in Carlson.

Another admirable quality of Carlson is his personality. Some may think he is dull, but that is the furthest from the truth. Much like Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, you see the fire on the ice and on the bench when adversity strikes, but he also possesses a cool and calm demeanor when speaking with the media. He knows the importance of chemistry in the locker room and with his linemate Karl Alzner and it’s allowed Washington to promote them up to the first defensive pairing.

Carlson is one of the best skaters Washington has and don’t expect his ice time to diminish anytime soon. If he can improve his poise and positioning on the power play, people may not even realize Green’s absence from the lineup.