It’s been almost a month since the Anaheim Ducks traded for John Carlson in a trade that sent shockwaves throughout the NHL. The veteran defenseman just achieved his first career hat trick with his new team, while helping them end a six-game losing streak. Carlson had the perfect response to his hat trick, according to theScore.
“I’ve seen a lot (of hat tricks) in my day, and always was a little bit jealous,” Carlson stated while grinning.
Carlson spent his entire nearly 17-year career with the Washington Capitals before the trade. During that tenure, he witnessed Alex Ovechkin record 26 of his 34 hat tricks while Carlson was on the team. Carlson has had numerous games where he hit two goals, but never got three until this game.
It was a much-needed offensive explosion for the Ducks, who scored six goals after being shut out by the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. With Cutter Gauthier still out with an injury, the Ducks needed anyone to pick things up, and Carlson, along with Leo Carlsson, lit the fire. The win strengthened the Ducks’ playoff chances, as they remained four points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings with three games left to play.
Since the Ducks acquired him, Carlson has tallied four goals and eight assists over 13 games. With the Ducks’ power play struggling, he provided the spark by firing two of his goals from the top of the offensive zone, successfully getting the puck past the Sharks’ goalie, Yaroslav Askarov. While there are still questions about whether Carlson will stay in Anaheim after the season concludes, he has already made an impact, as the Ducks attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
It’s been almost a month since the Anaheim Ducks traded for John Carlson in a trade that sent shockwaves throughout the NHL. The veteran defenseman just achieved his first career hat trick with his new team, while helping them end a six-game losing streak. Carlson had the perfect response to his hat trick, according to theScore.