With the preseason wrapping up, it means we’re only a couple of days away from the official puck drop of the 2018-2019 campaign.
As teams progress towards the season, we finally get to see more regular players lacing up their skates in an attempt to become game ready for the regular season.
Erik Karlsson has not only played his first game in a San Jose Sharks uniform, but he has also now scored his first goal as a Shark.
In his second and final preseason game, Karlsson came into last night’s contest with an assist. While stats don’t really matter for stars, the fans were waiting for EK65 to find the back of the net.
Minutes into the second period, Karlsson found the back of the net to tie the game at one apiece. On the Power Play, Karlsson trailed down low and slipped behind the defenders of Vegas. With everyone facing the puck (which was at the blue line), Karlsson placed himself at the side of the goal.
Erik Karlsson’s slick redirection gives him his first goal in #SJSharks colours. pic.twitter.com/3J8Tj7bXsG
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 1, 2018
With the puck at the point, Kevin Labanc set up as if he was going to shoot, but fooled the entirety of the Knights’ defensive group. Labanc dished the puck to Karlsson, who was all alone in the face-off circle and easily tapped in his first goal of the preseason.
Karlsson has only played in two preseason games, but the small glimpse of Karlsson’s talent must excite the San Jose faithful.
They will get their first taste of regular season Karlsson on October 3rd when the Sharks take on California-rival Anaheim Ducks.
Karlsson tallied 62-points last season, with his career high being 82.
