Melker Karlsson Big Boost To San Jose Sharks Lineup
Well, Melker Karlsson is re-establishing himself at the NHL level and the San Jose Sharks are sure glad to have the young Swede back in the lineup. Karlsson was able to notch the overtime game-winner last time out against the Philadelphia Flyers, scoring the lone goal in San Jose’s 1-0 victory.
The 25-year-old Karlsson missed the first 14 games of the 2015-16 season with a lower-body injury. Because of that injury, Karlsson wasn’t able to make much of an impression on new head coach Peter DeBoer.
However, with Karlsson back in the fold, he’s certainly making quite the statement to his new bench boss. Karlsson has appeared in five games for the Sharks since returning from injury, and San Jose is 4-1-0 in those games. Karlsson has registered three goals and one assist, all coming on the Sharks recent road trip.
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Karlsson’s return mirrored his ascent last season when he began as a third line player in San Jose before being placed on the top line along side Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski. This year, Karlsson’s first game saw him start on the third line as he was still working himself back into game shape.
However, it didn’t take DeBoer long to place Karlsson back on the top line, reuniting him with his linemates from a season ago where he really burst on to the scene. Last year, Karlsson appeared in 53 games with the Sharks, registering 13 goals, 11 points and 24 points in 15:26 of ice time.
Since his return, the Sharks have really taken off as Karlsson has allowed DeBoer to spread San Jose’s depth throughout the lineup.
With Karlsson back on the top line, San Jose has been able to drop rookie Joonas Donskoi, who reminds many of Karlsson from last season, to a third-line role where he can impact the game from there. That flexibility has been crucial, especially on a six-game road trip that includes two sets of back-to-backs.
Many people didn’t anticipate that Karlsson’s absence would be such a big loss to the Sharks, but he’s shown his importance through his play thus far. In a lot of ways, Karlsson’s game resembles that of Pavelski, who might not be the flashiest of players, but he finds the right spots and pays the price in front of the net.
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As Karlsson continues to work himself back into the mix, he should only get better and better. Karlsson is an under-rated asset for the Sharks who is showcasing his talents to the benefits of this San Jose team.
Karlsson’s return has provided a big boost for this Sharks team, and the results on the ice clearly speak for themselves. Karlsson and the rest of his San Jose teammates will look to finish what they’ve started on this road trip, and carry that momentum back home with them.