Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson is on the cusp of a significant milestone, as he is poised to play his 1,000th NHL game. To commemorate this achievement, pop singer Vanessa Carlton has collaborated with the team to remix her hit song 'A Thousand Miles' with Carlson-themed lyrics.
Carlton's remix was released in conjunction with the production company Fresh Tape Media. Carlson is set to become the 128th defenseman in NHL history to reach the 1,000-game mark when the Capitals face off against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.
The 34-year-old defenseman has logged an impressive amount of ice time, ranking 41st in the league since official tracking began in 1997-98. Carlson has played nearly 24,000 minutes in regular-season games and an additional 3,005 minutes in playoff contests.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery praised Carlson's versatility on the ice, noting that he excels in various situations, including power plays, penalty kills, and crucial moments in games. Carlson, who hails from Natick, Massachusetts, spent much of his childhood in New Jersey and has taken over 26,000 regular-season shifts, all with Washington, since his debut in 2009.
Despite his impending milestone, Carlson remains focused on the present, emphasizing the importance of staying in the moment. His achievement marks him as the 80th player to reach 1,000 games with a single team, following teammate T.J. Oshie's recent accomplishment.
As the Capitals aim to return to the playoffs after missing out last season, Carlson's leadership and experience will be crucial. The team is planning a ceremony to honor him next weekend, acknowledging his remarkable career and contributions to the franchise.
Carlson expressed gratitude for the support and recognition, while maintaining his focus on the team's current goals and challenges. His dedication and commitment to the Capitals have solidified his legacy as a key player and leader within the organization.
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