Erik Karlsson became the first defenseman in 31 years to score 100 points in one season in the NHL. Dallas’ Finnish players had a hard night.
The San Jose Sharks in the ice hockey NHL About Erik Karlsson became the first defenseman since the 1991-1992 season and an American in the night round By Brian Leetch, who has scored 100 points in one season. Karlsson scored both of his team’s goals as the Sharks suffered a 2-6 loss to Winnipeg.
The Swedish player, who has been considered one of the NHL’s best puck defenders for years, has hit defensemen hard this season, 25+75. Karlsson is the most effective European defender of all time in one season.
Only defenders have scored more points in one season Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey, Al McInnisLeetch as well as Denis Potvin. Karlsson can move past MacInnis (103) into third place in San Jose’s all-time record in two games left.
32-year-old Karlsson has played in the NHL since the 2009–2010 season. At the beginning of his career, he represented the Ottawa Senators, in whose shirt he scored his best 82 points in the 2015-2016 season.
He moved to San Jose in 2018. In recent years, the veteran defender has suffered from injuries and he was not as efficient as he used to be.
This season, however, he has shown his doubters and has put together an even more efficient clinic.
– I think I am currently in a good place physically and mentally in my life. I’ve just been trying to stick with it and keep my motivation as good as possible. It’s been difficult lately, but I’ve managed to do it and I’m happy about it, Karlsson said, according to NHL.com.
San Jose head coach David Quinn praised his star defender profusely.
– I have been lucky to coach great players, but not more great than him. I’ll tell you that. This guy has so much talent and so much skill. He is such a great player, but he has the physical attributes to match. His physical gifts and mental skills are a working combination.
– After watching him every day, I know how good he is, but I didn’t know he was this good, Quinn was amazed.
Karlsson represented the Jokeris in the SM league in the fall of 2012, when there was a work lockout in the NHL.
1. Bobby Orr CAN 139 (1970–1971)
2. Paul Coffey CAN 138 (1985–1986)
3. Al MacInnis CAN 103 (1990–1991)
4. Brian Leetch USA 102 (1991–1992)
5. Denis Potvin’s CAN 101 (1978–1979)
6. Erik Karlsson SWE 100 (2022–2023)
Heiskanen approached the Swede
Also Finland’s star defender Miro Heiskanen is close to a hard feat. Dallas’ 23-year-old Finnish defender, who scored two assists against Detroit, is only two points away Reijo Ruotsalainen of the single-season point record (73) held by Finnish defenders.
Heiskasen has 71 points, while Dallas still has two regular season games to play. The Dallas Finns were in a strong mood anyway, when the Stars beat Detroit 6–1.
Roope Hintz scored 1+3 and increased his season score to 74. Esa Lindell directed his eighth goal of the season.
The Stars are tied for the top spot in the Central Division with Colorado. Colorado has played one less game.