New York. Erik Karlsson earned his first point as a Penguin last night — and his first victory.
Pittsburgh destroyed Washington’s home opener with a 4-0 win and played “EK65” until Evgeni Malkin scored.
– It was important that we were able to win after losing the first match, and also that we were allowed to score some goals. “We hope this gives us more confidence,” says Sportbladet’s star back.
Yes, Pittsburgh Penguins fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
The initial point on the scoresheet against Chicago – when a 2-0 lead in the second period of the game turned into a bitter 3-2 loss – was placed no The tone for the rest of the season.
It came into clearer focus last night, when new coach Mike Sullivan’s mobilization this year became the first in history to beat the Washington Capitals in their home opener.
4-0 final victory was scored.
-But we didn’t start anything else tonight either. The first period was not good, says Erik Karlsson when we met him afterwards.
– In the second part of the period, we calmed down a little and felt that we were starting to find each other at least a little better. There’s more work to be done, it’s just a drumbeat.
I tried the stars
Erik himself was noted for his first assist as a Penguin when he saved a puck from the left in the offensive zone, four minutes into the second half, after which Rickard Rakell got it to Evgeni Malkin, who made it 1-0. .
– Very nice, I don’t know if you can call it help, hehe, but at least I fought to keep the puck, he continues.
Sidney Crosby then scored two more goals in the second half and Riley Smith a fourth in the final term, all with the help of the same Malkin.
– It was very good, but I think all our key players had a successful night. It was important that we could get a win after losing the first game, and also that we could score some goals. Hopefully it will give us more confidence, as “EK65” says.
Close to being sunk by Ovechkin
who also survived a dangerous tackle Alex Ovetchkin attempted to bring down in the center circle midway through the second half. Eric backed off at the last moment, so the strike didn’t cause as much damage as possible.
– I saw it coming all the time but at the same time I tried to maintain control of the puck and then you have to take a tackle like that sometimes, he says.
The Norris Trophy winner from Landsborough didn’t have to defend himself with his fists, but his Swedish tailback partner Marcus Pettersson was forced to do so in the final seconds – against Tom Wilson himself.
– It was difficult, but he is big and strong so he has to stand sometimes.
For the Capitals, this home opener at Capital One Arena was, of course, a real miscalculation.
– It is difficult to imagine a greater disappointment, sighs new coach Spencer Carberry.