Quick Read
- John Carlson scored his first career hat trick in his 1,156th regular-season game.
- He is only the third defenseman in NHL history to record a hat trick at age 36 or older.
- The 6-1 victory against the Sharks snapped a six-game losing streak for the Anaheim Ducks.
ANAHEIM (Azat TV) – Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson recorded his first career hat trick on Thursday night, powering his team to a decisive 6-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks at the Honda Center. The milestone occurred in the 36-year-old’s 1,156th regular-season game, providing a significant offensive boost for a Ducks squad looking to regain momentum in the final stretch of the season.
A Milestone Performance for the Ducks Veteran
Acquired by the Ducks at the NHL trade deadline in February to bolster their defensive depth, Carlson has transitioned from a backend stabilizer to an unexpected offensive catalyst. His three-goal performance against the Sharks ended the Ducks’ six-game losing streak and marked his 12th point in just 13 appearances since joining the Anaheim roster. The veteran defenseman displayed precision on the power play, firing multiple slapshots past Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov to secure the feat.
Joining Elite Defensive History
Carlson’s achievement places him in rare company within the National Hockey League. He became only the third defenseman in league history to record a hat trick after turning 36, joining Mathieu Schneider and Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom. Among that group, only Lidstrom—who registered his first hat trick at age 40—played more career games before reaching the milestone. The performance underscored the value of the veteran’s presence as the Ducks navigate a high-pressure push toward the end of the regular season.
Building Momentum for the Final Stretch
The win was a collective effort, with Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn, and Frank Vatrano also contributing goals, while Beckett Sennecke added two assists. Despite a chippy third period that saw multiple scrums and a lower-body injury to Jeffrey Viel, the Ducks maintained control of the game, outshooting San Jose 30-19. Head coach Joel Quenneville praised the team’s aggressive pace, noting that the victory was essential for the group’s confidence as they look to close out the season on a high note.
The timing of Carlson’s breakout—coming just two months after his mid-season acquisition—suggests that his integration into the Anaheim system is yielding high-impact results that extend well beyond his primary defensive responsibilities, potentially altering the team’s tactical ceiling as they prepare for the post-season phase.