‘Wild Bill’ shooting down Vegas’ competition

L AS VEGAS • Much like his team, William Karlsson has arrived in a big way this season.

The Golden Knights’ young Swedish centre scored his 40th goal of the season and added two assists in Monday’s playoff- clinching win over Colorado and once again displayed the type of play that has made him a pivotal part of Vegas’ impressive inaugural run.

Karlsson, who this sea- son has more goals than in his previous stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks combined, has helped form one of the most dangerous l i nes in the NHL playing alongside Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith.

“He shows up every night, he works hard and he helps me be a better player and I help him to be a better player,” Marchessault said. “I just love playing with a high-quality player like that. It doesn’t happen often in a career to have a connection like that. Me, Karly and Smitty, we have something special. We know that and I think it makes it fun every night.”

The Golden Knights were the first team in the NHL with five different 20- goal scorers t his season and Karlsson leads the way with 40, fourth best in the league. Marchessault has 25 goals, Smith, 22.

Entering Tuesday’s games, Karlsson is tied for 27 th in the league with 69 points. It’s a big reason the expansion Golden Knights lead the Pacific Division with six games remaining.

“That’s what happens when you play with good players. I’ve always wanted to be a top-six forward in the NHL,” said Karlsson, who’s affectionately known as Wild Bill. “It’s good to know that I can do it, that I can be a topsix forward in this league. That feels really good to know after playing a defensive role the last couple of seasons. I got the chance here playing with great players and I’m happy that I took the chance. It’s been great so far, but we’re not nearly done.”

According to his teammates and coach Gerard Gallant, Karlsson’s diligence on the defensive end is what makes him such a special player. It’s not uncommon to see him start plays several passes before he’s on the re- ceiving end of a would- be goal.

“I’m i mpressed by his goals, obviously, and his play offensively, but what people don’t realize is a lot of guys that have so many points are not especially great two-way players, not complete players,” centre Pierre- Edouard Bellemare said. “When there is a goal, often ... I mean, five plays before he finishes, he’s the one creating that play because he plays the right way or he’s saying the right stuff. For me, that’s the most impressive part.”

Gallant said he knew the type of player he was getting in Karlsson.

“You l ook at the l i ne, they’re all high-plus players,” Gallant said. “They’ve built chemistry all year long.”