SAN JOSE — Erik Karlsson returned to game action and logged a decent workload as the Sharks wrapped up the 2018-19 regular season by locking down second place in the Western Conference.
Karlsson suited up for his first game since Feb. 26 on Saturday, skating for 22:01 as the Sharks topped the Colorado Avalanche 5-2 at SAP Center.
The two-time Norris Trophy winner skated cautiously as he returned from a groin injury that forced him out of the Sharks previous 17 games. The game served as a tune up for the Stanley Cup playoffs, which kick off on Wednesday, as Karlsson displayed signs of rust after being sidelined for nearly six weeks.