Carlson scored a goal in a 7-3 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

He wired a snap shot from the top of the right circle 23 seconds into the second frame and beat Igor Shesterkin stick side. Carlson has a point in each of his last two games (one goal, one assist) and five points, including two goals, in his last four outings. Overall, his 11.4 shooting percentage remains bloated -- his career average over 1,121 regular-season games is a tidy 6.3. However, Carlson's current scoring pace is as good as what he put up in his late 20s, so we'll take everything we can get from this 35-year-old.

Carlson posted a primary assist and a plus-2 rating in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Red Wings on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson contributed an even-strength helper on Ethen Frank's second marker of the game to tie the score at 2-2 midway through the final stanza. The 35-year-old Carlson has now registered a goal and five points over his last five contests from his usual top-pairing role. The 2008 first-round selection is on pace for 68 points, which would be his most since 2021-22, when he produced 17 goals and 54 assists across 78 regular-season games.

Carlson had a goal and two assists in a 4-0 win over the Maple Leafs on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson made it 4-0 in the third period when he wired a high slap shot past Dennis Hildeby from along the right boards. Carlson has seven goals, 20 assists and 65 shots in 30 games. He continues to climb the scoring list from the blue line, and he's on pace for his third NHL 70-point season.

Carlson posted a power-play assist, two shots on goal, two hits, four PIM and a minus-2 rating in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson didn't have a great game, but he was able to get on the scoresheet in his second contest after missing three games due to an upper-body injury. The 35-year-old defenseman continues to provide quality offense in a top-pairing role this season. He's at 24 points (six on the power play), 62 shots on net, 40 blocked shots and a plus-7 rating through 28 appearances.

Carlson (upper body) is set to play against Carolina on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson was a game-time decision after missing the Capitals' past three matches. He has six goals and 23 points in 26 appearances in 2025-26. Dylan McIlrath is expected to be a healthy scratch Thursday due to Carlson's return.

Carlson (upper body) will be a game-time decision versus Carolina on Thursday, per Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson has missed the last three games with the injury. He has six goals and 17 assists, including five helpers on the power play, across 26 appearances this season. If Carlson is unable to go, look for Dylan McIlrath or Declan Chisholm to enter the lineup.

Head coach Spencer Carbery said Wednesday that Carlson (upper body) could play in Thursday's game against the Hurricanes, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson has missed the last three games due to his upper-body injury, but he'll be in the mix to suit up in Thursday's home game. The Capitals will presumably monitor how he feels during and after Thursday's morning skate, and it wouldn't be surprising if he were a game-time decision. Over 26 appearances this season, Carlson has recorded six goals, 17 assists, 38 blocked shots, nine hits and six PIM while averaging 22:52 of ice time.

Carlson (upper body) isn't in the lineup for Sunday's home matchup against Columbus, according to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson will miss his third game in a row, with his next chance to return to the lineup coming at home Thursday versus the Hurricanes. Due to his absence, Dylan McIlrath will suit up Sunday and skate next to Rasmus Sandin on the third pairing, while Martin Fehervary and Trevor van Riemsdyk will comprise Washington's No. 1 pairing.

Carlson (upper body) will be a game-time decision against Columbus on Sunday, according to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson was on the ice with the team's expected scratches Sunday morning, which may not bode well for his availability, but it doesn't necessarily rule out a return to the lineup. He has amassed six goals, 23 points, 59 shots on net and 38 blocked shots through 26 appearances this season. If Carlson plays following a two-game absence, Declan Chisholm will probably be a healthy scratch versus the Blue Jackets on Sunday.

Carlson (upper body) will miss Friday's game against Anaheim, per Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson was also absent for Wednesday's 7-1 win over San Jose. He has six goals and 23 points in 26 outings in 2025-26. Declan Chisholm is projected to play in his second straight game due to Carlson's injury.