Erik Karlsson recently welcomed his daughter into the world and now returns to the San Jose Sharks for part two against the Golden Knights.
Before puck drop on opening night news dropped that Erik Karlsson would not be skating in the San Jose Sharks line-up. This was a huge blow to a team who already was facing some serious doubts about competing in their biggest rivals building.
There wasn’t much more information provided about EK65’s absence. This caused mass panic and speculation throughout the fan base. Nevertheless there was no cause for alarm with Erik Karlsson announcing that his wife Melinda Currey had given birth to a girl on Thursday.
EK65 broke the news via social media to which drew intimidate praise from all across the hockey universe.
It was heartwarming to see the hockey community come together and be so welcoming to Erik and Melinda Karlsson’s new child.
After performing as an all world husband and new father Karlsson will return to Sharks for their home opener against the Vegas Golden Knights.
San Jose definitely missed his services in the first contest. A lot of what the Sharks want to do as a team flows through Karlsson and it showed. Team Teal looked stagnant in all 3 zones and barely generated any high danger scoring opportunities.
The Sharks lost 4 – 1 and never really felt all that ready to play (besides Jones). However we should expect a different looking Team Teal after the reality check opening night. Pete DeBoer sure thinks this will be the case. Mercury New’s Curtis Pashelka got the scoop from the coach at morning skate and he didn’t appear to pleased about their opening night performance without Karlsson.
"“He makes a huge difference,” DeBoer said of Karlsson. “But having said that, if we don’t play better than we did last game, two Erik Karlssons aren’t going to help us win. He’s going to help, but we’ve got to be better as a group.”"
This being said it’s kind of difficult to take really anything from that first game when you take into account all the circumstances facing the San Jose Sharks. Now with a fresh sheet of home ice and Erik Karlsson returning, Team Teal is looking to reset the narrative surrounding this team at the start of the season.
Anticipate an electric atmosphere at the SAP Center with the Sharks preparing to set off their 29th official season with a bang against their fiercest divisional rival.