Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson had a career season last year. He did so despite losing his most common partner of the past two seasons (Karl Alzner), taking on the toughest minutes of his career and not getting first line power play minutes until late in the season (thanks to Mike Green). Under the tutelage of Barry Trotz and assistant coach Todd Reirden, Carlson finally turned his potential that Washington Capitals fans knew he had into pure talent. Guess what? He has to do it all over again this season.
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Thanks to the departure of Green, Carlson is the new quarterback of the Washington Capitals power play.