The Washington Capitals kicked off their celebration of John Carlson’s 1,000th NHL game in a very unique, musical way on Saturday.
Before Carlson got on the ice against the Boston Bruins, the team had Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and pianist Vanessa Carlton change up the lyrics to her iconic “A Thousand Miles” single in tribute to the blueliner’s big milestone.
“Hi, John! Vanessa Carlton here,” the 2002 Billboard top pop artist started. “Just wanted to wish you a huge congratulations on playing your 1,000th game. That is a remarkable achievement. I happen to know a song that I think may be perfect to help you celebrate. I hope you enjoy it.”
“A Thousand Miles” is Carlton’s biggest-ever hit in the United States and her only single to reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number five. The song has an unmistakable opening piano riff that Carlton immediately sprung back into for her rendition for Carlson.
“Making his way downtown, Johnny C, the DMV, and he’s rink-bound,” Carlton sings. “Arrives to Capital One, says ‘What’s up?’ to his Stanley Cup from 2018. And we thank you. And we love you…with your shot like thunder.
“Brought to the Caps in the year ’08. We’ve watched him score, we’ve watched him skate. Oohh and you know he’ll hit 1,000 games if we just wait for…tonight.”
As far as we know, Carlson and Carlton have no actual previous connection other than their last names being one letter apart. We’ll take any excuse to listen to this absolute banger on repeat though.
“Go Carly! Go Caps! Wooooo,” Carlton finished her video.
It’s safe to say the remix was definitely a hit with Capitals fans.
this is amazing 😂
— carol (@xwinterwitchx) March 30, 2024
This is incredible
— Amber Broger (@amberbroger) March 30, 2024
just woke up and am half asleep and the vanessa carlton video was the very first thing i opened twitter too and am not fully convinced im not still dreaming
— mol (@molfully) March 30, 2024
With that level of support, John may need to change up his goal song. Puck drop for his big night is scheduled for 7 pm.
