WATCH: Brenden Dillion’s slapshot to John Carlson’s head hospitalizes defenceman amid Alex Ovechkin’s historic moment

Washington Capitals defenceman and alternate captain John Carlson became the victim of a spine-chilling injury on Friday’s historic night. While the night was supposed to be an exciting and historic one, it was unfortunately followed by shadows of worry.

Carlson took a direct hit from Winnipeg Jets defenceman Brenden Dillion to his head. The slap shot was accompanied by a pool of blood that sucked the noise out of the entire arena. The game got paused for a good few minutes to clean the ice and take the player for medical assistance.

The whole Capital One Arena who was excited to witness Ovechkin’s historic moment got to witness a dreadful one prior to it. Carlson was reported to be profusely bleeding from his cheek area, as he got rushed to the locker room. He was immediately helped with the team’s medical unit and later transferred for further evaluation.

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John Carlson gets hospitalized after getting serious injury to his head

As per Capitals Mike Vogel, coach Peter Laviolette told, “It’s tough that Carly wasn’t there tonight because he sits right next to Ovi and is such a loud, vocal piece inside the locker room”. “Right now he is under the care of team physicians, and is being transported to the hospital for precautionary evaluation.”

Alan May of NBC Sports Washington said that when Carlson left the ice, a trail of blood followed. Prior to his accident, the 32-year-old averaged an ice time of 23.00 but after his accident, his time was cut short to 16.12 minutes. The incident followed a failed face-off between Dylan Strome and Adam Lowry in the third period.

Alex Ovechkin who is close to Carlson remained silent the entire time. When the game was paused, he was seen putting his head down and muttering something. It must have been prayers for his fallen teammate. He usually sat beside Ovie, so the gap left was felt pretty badly.

Carlson is a loud-voiced character whose presence brings in energy. Without him, the difference in the locker room was great. The night also witnessed Ovechkin crossing Gordie Howe’s NHL all-time goal record. Unfortunately, Carlson couldn’t witness that moment.

Now, with Howe’s record crossed, it’s time for Ovie to chase down Wayne Gretzky. He only needs 92 more goals to do so. If the captain doesn’t fall victim to health issues or injuries, he can cross the Great One’s record within the next two seasons. We congratulate Ovechkin on his accomplishment. We wish John Carlson a quick recovery.

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