John Carlson records first NHL hat trick in 17th season with Ducks

John Carlson waited 1,156 regular-season games and 137 playoff contests before achieving his first NHL hat trick. The 36-year-old defenseman accomplished the feat Thursday night in the Anaheim Ducks’ 6-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks.[1][2] This win snapped a six-game losing streak and boosted the Ducks’ playoff hopes after a seven-year drought.

Carlson fired three goals past the Sharks, including a scorching 97.47 mph slap shot in the first period—the hardest goal shot by Anaheim all season. His performance showered the Honda Center with hats and marked only the fourth defenseman hat trick in Ducks history, the first since 2018.[3]

Milestone moment for a veteran blueliner

Carlson joined the Ducks at the trade deadline, acquired from the Washington Capitals to bolster their weak defense.[4] In 13 games with Anaheim, he tallied 12 points before this outburst. Now with 14 goals this season across both teams, he’s three shy of his career high from 2021-22.

The defenseman downplayed the personal achievement but admitted the thrill. “I’ve seen a lot [of hat tricks] in my day, and always was a little bit jealous,” Carlson said with a grin. His 17 seasons alongside Alex Ovechkin exposed him to 34 hat tricks from the NHL’s goal-scoring legend, including 26 since Carlson’s 2009 debut.[5]

This hat trick came at a pivotal time. Anaheim sat third in the Pacific Division with 89 points, one behind Edmonton, with just three games left. Carlson eyes his 15th playoff appearance, including the 2018 Cup win.

Fans at Honda Center fueled the energy from puck drop. “It was great,” Carlson noted. “I think it was a good game to do it in, a home game. The crowd was great tonight… and we just kept feeding on that.”[6]

Carlson’s adaptation to the West Coast has been seamless despite the jersey change and family upheaval. His veteran poise has steadied the back end.

Breaking down the hat trick goals

Carlson’s first goal came on a blistering slap shot in the opening period. Clocked at 97.47 mph, it highlighted his elite shooting ability from the blue line.

The next two arrived on the power play in the third period, spaced 3.5 minutes apart. Anaheim’s unit, mired at 25th in the league after going 1-for-15 over four games, clicked thanks to Carlson’s heavy shots.

Coach Joel Quenneville praised his presence. “I thought he’s got the presence to shoot from the top. He’s got good play recognition, and the power play needed that.”

Here are the key stats from Carlson’s goals:

• Goal 1: 97.47 mph slap shot, first period
• Goal 2: Power-play one-timer, third period
• Goal 3: Sealed the hat trick at 5:57 remaining, prompting hat tosses

Leo Carlsson opened scoring with his 28th goal on a net drive. The young center lauded the veteran: “He comes in and he’s an amazing player. Great person, too. He helps us a lot.”[7]

The rout contrasted a recent 5-0 home loss to Nashville, where fans booed. Against the rival Sharks, Anaheim dominated another young playoff hopeful.

Historical rarity for aging defensemen

Carlson became the third defenseman to hat trick after turning 36, joining Mathieu Schneider and Nicklas Lidstrom. Lidstrom did it at 40 on Dec. 15, 2010, after 1,442 games—more than any other blueliner before Carlson’s milestone.

Only Lidstrom played more games among defensemen without a prior hat trick. Carlson’s steady career prioritized two-way play over flash.

For context on Ducks defenseman hat tricks:

1. [Current one by Carlson, 2026]
2. Previous in 2018
3. Two others in franchise history

His shot sealed a vital win. Two days post-booing, the Ducks rebounded convincingly.

This feat underscores Carlson’s enduring skill at 36. For more on his career, check his ESPN profile.

Boosting Ducks’ postseason aspirations

The victory improved Anaheim’s hold on a Pacific wild card. With three games remaining, playoff mentality matters.

“Building that mentality, reaching back for a picture or a memory of (good) starts, those things are all good to have at this point in the year,” Carlson said.

The trade signaled Ducks’ shift from rebuilding. GM Pat Verbeek sent a conditional first and third-round pick to Washington for Carlson on March 5.[8]

Anaheim’s power play surged with his addition. Previously mediocre, it produced crucial third-period goals.

Teammates credit his leadership. The win over San Jose reignited momentum against a division foe.

For full game details, see the NHL recap.[1]

Carlson’s integration promises depth for a potential deep run. His poise could end the drought.

Carlson’s hat trick not only etched a personal milestone but galvanized the Ducks at crunch time. As the regular season winds down, Anaheim’s veteran addition positions them for playoffs. Expect Carlson’s shot to remain a weapon in the postseason hunt.[9]