FIRST STAR - JOHN CARLSON, D, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Carlson registered 3-3-6, including two game-winning goals, in three contests to propel the Capitals (22-4-5, 49 points) to a perfect week and into first place in the overall NHL standings. Carlson posted his sixth three-point performance of the season, as well as his third game-winning goal, in a 5-2 triumph over the San Jose Sharks Dec. 3 (1-2-3). He then scored twice, including the decisive goal, in a 3-1 victory against the Los Angeles Kings Dec. 4. Carlson closed the week with one assist in a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks Dec. 6, helping Washington sweep a three-game road trip through California for the first time in franchise history. The 29-year-old Natick, Mass., native tops NHL defensemen in goals (11), assists (32), points (43) and game-winning goals (4) through 31 outings this season. Only two other blueliners in League history have recorded as many points through their team's first 31 games of a campaign: Bobby Orr (5x, most recently in 1974-75: 21-37-58 w/ BOS) and Al MacInnis (1990-91: 13-31-44 w/ CGY).
