Erik Karlsson continues to carry the imperfect but increasingly special Penguins

The 35-year-old defenseman scored two more goals, including the game-tying effort with 7:15 remaining in regulation.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After the Penguins beat the Winnipeg Jets in a shootout on Saturday, Karlsson now has 10 points in his past four games. The 35-year-old defenseman is showcasing his Norris Trophy form, with only a few NHL players having more points than him since the Olympic break. Despite the Penguins' shaky defensive performance, Karlsson has been a catalyst for the team, making outstanding plays at both ends of the ice.

Why it matters

Karlsson's offensive and defensive dominance has been crucial for the Penguins, who have struggled with consistency on the defensive end but continue to produce a high-powered offense. The team's ability to win close games despite their defensive lapses highlights their resilience and the special talent of Karlsson.

The details

In the 5-4 shootout win against the Winnipeg Jets, Karlsson scored two goals, including the game-tying goal with 7:15 remaining in regulation. Since the NHL Olympic break, only a few forwards have more points than Karlsson, who is a defenseman. Karlsson has been making outstanding plays at both ends of the ice, breaking up a two-on-one in the third period and feeding passes that only truly great players can make.

  • Karlsson scored two goals in the Penguins' 5-4 shootout win against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • In his past four games, Karlsson has 10 points.
  • Karlsson has 15 points in his past eight games.

The players

Erik Karlsson

A 35-year-old defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who is showcasing his Norris Trophy form, with only a few NHL players having more points than him since the Olympic break.

Sam Girard

A Penguins player who has noticed the similarities between Karlsson and Cale Makar, another elite offensive defenseman.

Bryan Rust

A Penguins player who praised Karlsson's impact, saying he's "a calming presence on and off the ice" and that the team gets into "shaky situations" but Karlsson's play has been "awesome."

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins captain, who notched an assist on the game-tying goal and scored in the shootout, though he is still shaking off some rust after his recent absence.

Rickard Rakell

A Penguins player who scored two goals in the game, including the game-tying goal with Karlsson's help.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think this guy is so special.”

— Sam Girard

“There's not too many guys in this league who can do what he does. He's been a catalyst for us, obviously offensively. But he's making those great plays defensively, too. He's a calming presence on and off the ice. We get into these shaky situations, and having a guy back there playing like that, it's been awesome.”

— Bryan Rust, Penguins player

What’s next

The Penguins will face the Carolina Hurricanes in a Sunday afternoon showdown at home.

The takeaway

Despite the Penguins' defensive inconsistencies, Erik Karlsson's exceptional play on both ends of the ice has been a driving force behind the team's success. At 35 years old, Karlsson is making a late bid for Norris Trophy consideration and proving he is still one of the league's elite defensemen.