Erik Karlsson yesterday.
Elias Pettersson today.
“Petey” became the second Swede in one day to reach the magical limit of 100 points in one and the same season – as only the twelfth Swede ever.
– It means a lot, he says.
Erik Karlsson made history on Tuesday when he became just the sixth defenseman in NHL history to reach 100 points in one and the same season. Karlsson also became the first defender in 30 years to reach the dream limit, and the eleventh Swede ever to succeed.
Reached the dream limit
But it wasn’t a very long wait for the twelfth Swede. Elias Pettersson has completely dominated in Vancouver all season. Despite the team having a rough time and underperforming significantly, Pettersson has been one of the best players in the entire league.
And tonight, in the meeting against the Anaheim Ducks, for the first time in his career he reached three figures in the number of points in one and the same season. Twelve minutes into the match, Pettersson found Brock Boeser, who scored 1-0. Later in the match, another lead came, until the decisive 3-2 goal, and Pettersson thus stands on 101 scored points.
READ MORE: Erik Karlsson reached the magical dream limit last night – the first player to succeed in over 30(!) years: “Special”
Nice company
Pettersson has scored 38 goals and 63 assists in 79 games, and is thus only the sixth Canucks player in history to reach the dream limit. He was immediately congratulated by teammates on the ice, and it’s one of the few joys in Vancouver, in an otherwise disappointing season.
– It means a lot, just to see everyone congratulating you and being happy for me. It means a lot to me, says Pettersson.
One game remains in the NHL’s regular season, and Pettersson is one point ahead of Erik Karlsson in the Swedes’ points standings. Pettersson now hopes to take further steps next season.
– I would like to believe that there are more levels, I always strive to get better, he says.
The Swedes who previously reached 100 points in the NHL are:
Kent Nilsson (twice)
Peter Forsberg (twice)
Mats Sundin
Henrik Sedin
Mats Naslund
Håkan Loob
Daniel Sedin
Markus Näslund
Daniel Alfredsson
Nicklas Bäckström
Erik Karlsson
READ MORE: Joel Lundqvist’s cheeky gesture towards his brother Henrik Lundqvist – which made hundreds of thousands of Swedes laugh