Carlson and Alzner (Caps Outsider)
Caps defenseman John Carlson played in his 323rd consecutive game with the Caps in Tuesday’s win against the Lightning, passing Kelly Miller for second place all-time in Washington’s franchise history. Right behind him in the active streak department is good friend and fellow defenseman Karl Alzner, who will be tying Miller during the Caps/Blue Jackets game on Thursday for third all-time, though Alzner and his wife Mandi’s first child was born Wednesday.
“All I know is that I’m two behind [Carlson],” Alzner said last month during an autograph signing session with Carlson, while doodling on a photo of him. “I don’t care about the overall record, I’m just trying to catch him.”
The friendly (we assume) competition includes each of them goading each other into sitting out for minor injuries.
“Maybe he should be home for the week that his child is born,” Carlson said. Alzner will likely play.
Caps fans can root for these guys for the time being to become the Caps all-time iron men, but they’ve got a ways to go for first place in franchise history. The all-time leader is Bobby Carpenter, who played 422 consecutive games between Oct. 7, 1981 and Nov. 22, 1986. That means Carlson (and Alzner) can pass Carpenter midway through next season.
Most consecutive games played in Capitals history
- Bob Carpenter: 422 (10/7/81-11/22/86)
- John Carlson: 323 (4/9/10-12/6/14)*
- Kelly Miller: 322 (10/9/91-12/10/95)
- Karl Alzner: 321 (10/8/10-12/6/14)*
- Nicklas Backstrom: 313 (10/5/07-3/7/11)
* – Active streak
Note that both Carlson and Alzner have played more games than just the number in their streak – Alzner is at 372 and Carlson is at 343.
From WaPo: John Carlson and Karl Alzner — Carlzner — haven’t missed a game in four seasons
Editor’s Note: This was posted shortly before it was announced that Alzner’s wife had given birth, and updated to reflect that.
Now, let’s watch these for ole’ times sake.
