Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson made a surprising remark following his team’s 3–1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series.

Despite scoring a crucial power-play goal that tied the game and later assisting on Tom Wilson’s empty-netter, Carlson’s postgame comments shifted focus.

He expressed frustration over the increasing number of injuries sustained by defensemen due to what he termed “clean hits,” labeling them as “frustrating” and questioning the legality of such plays.

Carlson’s candidness highlighted the mounting pressure on the Capitals’ defensive lineup as they navigate through the playoffs.

His leadership and performance remain pivotal for the team’s success in the series.(The Washington Post)