John Carlson Nets First Hat Trick in 17th NHL Season, Boosts Ducks’ Playoff Hopes

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, John Carlson achieved a long-awaited milestone in his 17th NHL season, scoring his first career hat trick during the Anaheim Ducks’ commanding 6-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Having played 1,156 regular-season games and 137 playoff contests, the 36-year-old defenseman expressed his excitement, particularly as the win helped snap a six-game losing streak and significantly bolstered Anaheim’s chances of breaking a seven-year playoff drought.

“I’ve seen a lot (of hat tricks) in my day, and always was a little bit jealous,” Carlson said with a grin, reflecting on the many multi-goal performances he witnessed while playing alongside Alex Ovechkin during his lengthy tenure with the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin’s own 34 career hat tricks, including 26 since Carlson’s rookie season in late 2009, only heightened that envy.

Despite not having a hat trick on his personal checklist of aspirations, Carlson’s contributions to both ends of the ice have been invaluable. His third goal, which sent a shower of hats onto the Honda Center ice with 5:57 remaining, marked only the fourth hat trick by a defenseman in Ducks history and the first since 2018. “It was great,” he said. “I’ve obviously always wanted one. I think it was a good game to do it in, a home game. The crowd was great tonight from puck drop, and I think we just kept feeding on that and played a really good game.”

With this achievement, Carlson also became the third defenseman in NHL history to record a hat trick after his 36th birthday, joining the ranks of Mathieu Schneider and Nicklas Lidstrom, who accomplished the feat at 40 years old. Notably, only Lidstrom played more games than Carlson before achieving this milestone.

Since joining the Ducks at the trade deadline, Carlson has made a significant impact, tallying 12 points in 13 games. His arrival has provided much-needed veteran leadership to a team struggling defensively. Center Leo Carlsson praised his new teammate, stating, “He comes in and he’s an amazing player. Great person, too. He helps us a lot, so nothing but amazing things to say about him.” After his hat trick, Carlson now has 14 goals this season, just three shy of his career high.

His scoring opened with a blistering 97.47 mph slap shot in the first period, marking the hardest shot resulting in a goal for the Ducks this season. Carlson then added two more power-play goals in the third period, helping to revitalize a power play that had struggled recently. Coach Joel Quenneville noted, “He’s got the presence to shoot from the top. He’s got good play recognition, and the power play needed that.”

Following a disappointing 5-0 loss to Nashville just two days prior, the Ducks bounced back impressively against the Sharks, leaving them in third place in the Pacific Division with 89 points, just one behind Edmonton. With only three games remaining in the regular season, Carlson remains optimistic about the Ducks’ playoff prospects, aiming for a return to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the 15th time in his career. “Building that mentality, reaching back for a picture or a memory of (good) starts, those things are all good to have at this point in the year,” he said, embodying the determination that has defined his career.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.