Carlson seems very coachable. The playoff series under Dale, he was as physical as I've ever seen a Caps Dman in recent years. He was downright nasty. And as I've said, that was one of the best performances by a Caps Dman I've seen in years.
Dude's got it. Hopefully Tortz can bring it out of him like Dale did.
I think we need to realize something. Most of these players do what they are told at least on the big picture items. Both Carlson and Green are more than capable of being physical. In Green's case he can be downright dirty. Carlson pre Oates, had always been free to make a play. Either offensively or with a hit because Alzner was steady and reliable to back him up.
Oates did not want his players going out of their way to make a hit nor did he want any sort of after the whistle hijinx. The proof that is not on the d corp but watching Ovechkin curtail his hitting.
If Trotz wants these guys to hit, they will be hitting. The real show will be Orlov if he ever gets healthy enough to get comfortable. He is the real highlight hitter of the bunch.
