Capitals get Carlson back for Game 1 vs. Islanders

The Washington Capitals have their Norris Trophy finalist in the lineup once again.

John Carlson was deemed good to go for Game 1 of the Capitals' opening-round playoff series against the New York Islanders, his club confirmed prior to puck drop.

The 30-year-old missed all three of the Capitals' round-robin games after suffering an injury late in an exhibition win over the Carolina Hurricanes on July 29.

He led all NHL blue-liners with 75 points during the regular season and topped all Washington skaters in ice time, logging 24:38 per game.