In other news, Carlson is logging huge minutes again. Carbery said in the offseason that he shouldn't be playing 25 minutes a game, but here we are, and lo and behold, here he is playing 25 minutes a game. I know you folks don't like the way he plays, but the fact of the matter is that coach after coach, year after year, plays him the heavy minutes. And don't say "it's because of his big salary." Carbery didn't have any problems replacing the $6 million goalie last year when he didn't do the job. Carlson is played 25 minutes a game because the coaches have seen that as giving the Caps the best chance to win games.
I agree. I did not like Carlson the first 5-6 years, then he turned a corner at one point and became a solid player, then he had upswing in scoring, etc. He is still no Norris candidate to me, but he is solid and reliable and plays in EVERY situation. I just always wanted him to have more snarl for his size, but its not his game. Carlson is one of our most reliable D-men in all situations so he gets the ice time. There is also the factor that the reliable stable D man they brought in (Roy) has been out for several games, AND there have been tons of PP and PK time. I think once the whole team gets in sync, Carlsons minutes will drop on average. He will still likely lead the team in ice-time because he plays in ALL situations.
I don't see any reason you cant put Chychrun out there for the PP or the PK, he certainly can move and shoot the puck. Roy could be a PK guy too. That would shave some Carlson minutes as well. Part of it depends on the pairings as well so...we shall see.
FWIW - I think Chychrun has been outstanding, and he is only 26...(which is only a year older then Fehevary and Alexeyev). They only have him on a 1 year deal at the moment, but he looks damn good so far.
