PITTSBURGH — The Erik Karlsson experience has been something to see. Karlsson, a three-time Norris Trophy winner and future Hall of Famer, hasn’t performed the way anyone hoped he would with the Pittsburgh Penguins . That isn’t news.
His struggles seemed to peak last Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes when Karlsson was stunningly inept defensively on each of the Hurricanes’ first two goals. He was on the ice for three of Carolina’s five goals. He was also on the ice for — and played a negative role in — both of the Washington Capitals goals on Friday.
Advertisement While Karlsson played extremely well otherwise in Washington, scoring a goal, recording a beautiful assist and making magic with the puck for much of the evening, the organization remains concerned about his game, his nonchalant attitude and his contract. It’s not that Karlsson isn’t well-liked in the locker room. He’s pretty popular.
The 34-year-old Swede is intelligent, personable and charismatic. Everyone, coaches included, has a fondness for him. But team sources paint a very concerning picture.
For starters, Karlsson is almost helpless when forced to defend toward the right side of the ice. If that sounds like too broad of a concept, watch the tape. Watch Karlsson when the other team’s left wing tries to take the puck to the outside.
Watch him on odd-man rushes when it’s required of him to move to the right or to focus in that direction. He either can’t do it or won’t do it. T.
