Karlsson displays winning hands in Vegas
Much like his team, William Karlsson has arrived in a big way this season.
The Vegas Golden Knights’ young Swedish centre scored his 40th goal of the season and added two assists in Monday’s playoffclinching 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 season has more goals than in his previous stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks combined, is part of one of the most dangerous lines 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 highquality 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 20-goal scorers this season, and Karlsson leads the way with his 40. Marchessault has 25 goals, Smith has 22.
Entering Tuesday’s games, Karlsson was tied for 27th in the league with 69 points and fourth in goals. It’s a big reason the expansion Golden Knights lead the Pacific Division.
“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, affectionately known as Wild Bill. “It’s good to know that I can do it, that I can be a top-six 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 receiving end of a would-be goal.
“I’m impressed 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.
Gallant said he knew the type of player he was getting in Karlsson, who is putting forth the effort Gallant expected to blend well with his linemates.
“You look at the line, they’re all high-plus players,” Gallant said. “They’ve built chemistry all year long. It’s every night these guys are making good plays, and that’s important to our team ... when these guys are hot like they are, they make your team go.”