Carlson Gets AHL Rookie Honors

John Carlson was named to the AHL's all rookie team. A high honor to a player that may not even return to Hershey with the way he has been playing. Per Caps' PR:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson, the team’s first-round pick in the 2008 Entry Draft (27th overall), was named to the American Hockey League (AHL) All-Rookie Team, as voted by AHL coaches, players and media in each of the league’s 29 member cities, the AHL announced today.

Carlson ranks fourth among AHL rookie defensemen with 39 points (four goals, 35 assists) in 48 games with the Hershey Bears this season. His +37 rating is good for a share of third place in the entire league. The 20-year-old native of Natick, Mass., has appeared in 20 games for the Capitals this season, with five points (one goal, four assists), six penalty minutes, and a +11 rating. Carlson scored his first NHL goal on March 25 in a 3-2 shootout loss at Carolina.

Carlson is the first Capitals prospect to be named to the AHL All-Rookie Team since Mike Green, who earned the same honor in April 2006. Carlson made his pro debut with Hershey during the 2009 postseason, recording two goals and one assist with a +3 rating as the Bears won the Calder Cup.

In addition to his time in Washington and Hershey, Carlson skated in the 2010 AHL All-Star Classic and scored the overtime gold-medal-winning goal for Team USA at the 2010 World Junior Championship.

The Caps expect Carlson to return to the line up after he got dinged up with an upper body injury in last night's game against Ottawa.

Caps Notes:

• Brooks Laich may make his return Thursday night against the Atlanta Thrashers. The Caps have been a sluggish 1-1-2 without him in the line up.
• Speaking of Atlanta, the Thrash are looking to sneak into the playoffs just two points behind Boston for 8th place in the East. The game against the Capitals should be a very spirited affair and have a playoff type feel to it. This will be good for the Capitals who are trying to get into playoff shape.
  
• Caps' prospect Cody Eakin got his debut with the Hershey Bears and sported a pink helmet. Full story here compliments of Pennlive.com.
  
• The Capitals got together for a team photo before practice today. You can see the fun here.