It’s not that the Penguins don’t recognize — and respect — the problems players such as Kyle Turris, Craig Anderson, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Bobby Ryan, among others, could cause for them during the Eastern Conference final.
But they also realize Ottawa defenseman Erik Karlsson is a singular talent, capable of altering the course of a game — or a series — with a burst of individual excellence.
“I feel like every time we play them, he stands out,” Penguins center Sidney Crosby said. “With how many minutes he plays and the way he works their power play and controls the game, he’s always the guy who stands out when you watch them.