44.2 – Capitals’ score-adjusted Corsi-For percentage (SACF%) over the five games (with a sixth upcoming tonight) that John Carlson has missed over the past two weeks due to a lower-body injury. Contrast that against the team’s 53.8 SACF% over the previous 43 and, well, you could say that the Caps are certainly missing one of their key pieces on the back end. And, to put those numbers in perspective, League-wide (via PuckOn.Net)…
This isn’t to say that Carlson, individually, is the driver of the shot-share drop-off, but his absence would seem to be contributing to Caps blueliners playing in sub-optimal roles. Have a look (data via Puckalytics):
Needless to say, we have some thoughts…
Why not go with a top-four of D pairs that we know work (admittedly, it would be an elevated role for 44-88) instead of those that haven’t? pic.twitter.com/tH2eYU5b9X
— Japers’ Rink (@JapersRink) January 25, 2017
And
Results notwithstanding, John Carlson’s absence highlights the Caps’ need to add a legit NHL defender if they’re serious about making a run.
— Japers’ Rink (@JapersRink) January 25, 2017
Alas.
Get well soon, JC74.