By some measures, Erik Karlsson is the most impactful 5-on-5 defenseman of his generation.
In his first contest back after a two-game suspension, Karlsson certainly made his presence felt in those situations, notching a goal and two primary assists at 5-on-5 in the San Jose Sharks’ 7-4 rout of the Edmonton Oilers.
But beyond counting stats, it also became clear during Karlsson’s absence how much the Sharks missed him on the power play, especially in terms of zone entries.
When Karlsson wasn’t on the ice at 5-on-4 against Arizona, Anaheim and Edmonton, San Jose carried the puck in on just 17 of their 29 zone entries (58.