The San Jose Sharks got some good news regarding the status of star defenseman Erik Karlsson, who will miss his second straight game Sunday with a strained groin. Head coach Peter DeBoer confirmed that Karlsson is suffering from the same strained groin injury that kept him out for nine straight games in January and February. However, the injury won’t require surgery, according to NHL.com’s Eric Gilmore.
“It’s a version of the same injury,” DeBoer said after receiving the latest medical test results on the 28-year-old defenseman. “I don’t anticipate it being long term. No surgery, nothing like that. But we’re going to be obviously extra cautious and make sure.”
Karlsson is a key piece to the Sharks’ success this year as they try to overtake the Calgary Flames for the top spot in the Pacific Division. Karlsson has three goals and 45 points in 52 games, but has only played four games since Jan. 16. He re-injured his groin on Feb. 23 against Columbus. DeBoer said that all Karlsson needs is time, but there is no timetable on how long he’ll be out.
- With the Buffalo Sabres falling further and further back in the playoff race, the Buffalo News’ Mike Harrington suggests the team send forward Tage Thompson to the Rochester Americans to allow him to gain confidence while the AHL squad battles it out for the Calder Cup. Thompson, acquired from St. Louis as part of the Ryan O’Reilly trade, has been with the Sabres all season, but has appeared in just 56 games and has just seven goals and 11 points. The only problem is that with Vladimir Sobotka injured, the team may not be willing to let Thompson go down as well.
- It looks like Alexis Lafreniere of Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL, the top candidate for the 2020 NHL draft, continues to show that he deserves the number one pick eventually. Lafreniere is the seventh 17-year-old within the last 15 years to record a 100-point season, according to TSN’s Gord Miller. He joins an impressive list, including Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Drouin, Nikolaj Ehlers, Claude Giroux and Jonathan Huberdeau.
- The Star’s Kevin McGran writes that the Toronto Maple Leafs have seen an increase in energy from their fourth line ever since the team recalled forward Trevor Moore. He picked up an assist Saturday on a goal by Nic Petan, while Tyler Ennis and Frederik Gauthier each have scored goals as well since Moore’s recall. The team has four players in three spots and it looks like the team will rotate them to keep that energy going.
Looks like Pierre will be able to draft a Francophone….FINALLY!
Thomas Chabot not happen?
He did happen just like his career -21. Who cares how many pts he puts up he’s a minus player.
I have a feeling your narrative changes for Morgan Rielly though? And it’s not even a useful stat anyways, it’s obviously a stat that is based on how good your team is, not you. Please stop trolling for no reason.
Thomas Chabot was drafted by Bryan Murray but nice try.
I do agree that plus minus is somewhat pointless. it’s not a useless stat but definitely does not tell you had good a player truly is on it’s own.
What narrative for Morgan Reilly. How’s this go for you he’s forced to be the #1 defenceman due to Toronto lack of depth on the blue line. Any another team maybe he cracks the top 4. I’m not a fan of his by any stretch. Not necessarily looks at EK#65 career plus minus he’s a minus player as well who plays a horrible defensive game unless the puck is on his stick.
Excellent point about Chabot Price
In the right situation it could improve on a better team. However come crunch time it’s a very important stat even more so come playoff time with line matchup/s.