The 2012 Stanley Cup seminfinals between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers has been a tight, defensive series where six of the seven games have been decided by one goal. A lot of credit has been given to the defensive pairing of John Carlson and Karl Alzner and their ability to block shots. Carlson leads the team and is second in the NHL in blocked shots during the playoffs (37), just trailing Dan Girardi of the New York Rangers. Karl Alzner is right behind him at third on the team and sixth in the league (32). Carlson is also fourth on the team in hits (30) and has registered five playoff points (two goals, three assists) during the 2012 run, including three points in his last five games.
