Erik Karlsson missed the third period and the final seven minutes and change of the second period tonight in Columbus. After the game, fears of an aggravated groin injury were confirmed.
At this point, it is safe to assume that San Jose will go much of its final 20-game stretch without their star back. After Karlsson injured his groin initially this season, he missed nine games. The team was able to win six — on a six-game win streak, no less — of those games. While this team is still good, however, without Erik Karlsson, they are not anywhere near the contender they are with him on the ice.