On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that defenseman Erik Karlsson has been placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. The team stated that Karlsson, who has won the Norris Trophy three times as the NHL’s top defenseman, will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
“Obviously, he’s a unique player,” said teammate Kris Letang. “You can’t replace a guy like that. So, you have to play your game, and we have to play solid. Nothing’s changed for everybody. Everybody has their role and their job, and they have to do it the best they can. You will never be able to replace a guy like Erik Karlsson.”
Karlsson recently became only the 14th defenseman in NHL history to reach 900 career points. He has been playing significant minutes in all situations for Pittsburgh this season and had been paired with Parker Wotherspoon at even strength.
“Karl’s been playing his best hockey in Pittsburgh, and he’s just been an absolute stud,” said Ryan Shea, another Penguins defenseman. “Spoons has been just pretty much that steady figure for him, kind of like how Marcus Pettersson was.”
Karlsson had also taken on new responsibilities this season by joining the penalty kill unit while continuing to lead one of the league’s top power plays.
“He’s good at everything,” Shea added. “You can see it in the way he breaks out the puck. He almost acts like it’s 5-on-5. He uses those little bumps to the middle to secure the clear. He’s such a smart player that he can play in any role. I think he’s enjoying the PK. It’s just another opportunity for him.”
The team is preparing to address Karlsson’s absence by relying on multiple players stepping up.
“He is a big part of our team, and I think everybody here knows that, and I think we all gotta kind of step up a little bit,” forward Bryan Rust said.
At Tuesday morning skate before facing Tampa Bay, Letang took over Karlsson’s spot on the top power-play unit.
“We worked on the power play, obviously, today,” Letang said. “But I think overall, it’s going to be the same thing for me. Most of my time is 5-on-5, and that’s where I need to bring my game. So, a little bit of change, but have to keep on the focus on myself, not trying to do too much.”
Letang is now paired with Brett Kulak on defense after Kulak joined from Edmonton last month.
“I think we try to just do things the right way,” Kulak said about their partnership. “It starts with tight gaps and wanting to spend less time in our zone. He’s always kind of giving me little tips and coaching me and stuff, too, which is awesome. I love it. It kind of helps us. We feed off each other, and it lets me know kind of more what his mind is thinking. He communicates a lot.”
The Penguins are set to face Tampa Bay next; Tampa comes into Pittsburgh riding a ten-game winning streak.
“I think it’s always a great opportunity, especially when a team’s coming in playing the way they are, just to see where we’re at,” Kulak said about facing Tampa Bay tonight at PPG Paints Arena—the Penguins’ home venue according to their official website. “And we got to step up. We’re looking to get out of a little bit of a couple game skid here. I think it’s kind of a perfect time, and it gives you that sense of urgency knowing, ‘Hey, this team’s pretty good. You don’t show up at your best, it’s not going to be pretty for you.’ I think it’s a good opportunity for us.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins were established in 1967 as an NHL franchise based in Pittsburgh,official website earning multiple Stanley Cup championships throughout their history.official website The organization is recognized for its contributions both on and off the ice through community initiatives,official website fan engagement,official website youth development,official website as well as maintaining strong traditions within Pittsburgh sports culture.official website
