Capitals’ Carlson On Boudreau’s Success In Vancouver: ‘I’m Not Surprised’

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson started his All-Star career skating under head coach Bruce Boudreau — and he’s still keeping an eye on his former HC’s success in Vancouver.

Boudreau took over as the Canucks head coach in early December and has since completely turned the team around. “Gabby” is 8-0-1 through nine games behind the bench for Vancouver. He has also elevated Brock Boeser, J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes’ performances, among others. Plus, the Canucks have seen a drastic rise in the Western Conference standings and are still in the playoff race.

Carlson said he’s impressed to see Boudreau turning things around in Canada, but isn’t shocked.

“I would just say he’s an aura,” Carlson said. “I just think it’s the right situation for him and obviously his personality, his messaging struck a chord with those guys and maybe they struck a chord on their own with the change, too. He’s a real interesting guy, a real upbeat, on-your-toes kind of guy and obviously, he’s taken really well to them and I’m not surprised.”

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Boudreau joined Washington back in 2007, and during his five-year reign, took the Capitals to four consecutive Southeast Division titles. He went 201-88-40 over 329 games in D.C. and also led the team to the Presidents’ Trophy in 2010. Washington parted ways with Boudreau in November 2012 after he went 12-9-1 through the first 21 games. He joined Anaheim soon after.

In 993 total NHL games coached, Boudreau is 575-302-116 for a winning percentage of .637.