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Report: NHL reviewing John Carlson for hit to the head of Ryan Johansen

Eric Hartline / USA TODAY Sports

The NHL Department of Player safety will be reviewing Washington Capitals defender John Carlson's cheap shot on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Ryan Johansen, reports Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.

The incident appeared to borne out of frustration following a hard hit that Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno tagged Carlson with. Johansen did not have the puck, nor had he touched it recently, when Carlson hit him.

"I've been around John Carlson for a few months here and I don't think there's anything malicious there," Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz said in defense of his player. "There's a little bit of a glancing blow with the glove. That's not his DNA..."

Carlson has never faced supplementary discipline in his career. 

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