William Karlsson is known around the Vegas Golden Knights’ locker room for being able to play with anyone. After missing six months with a lower-body injury, Karlsson returned to the lineup in the second round against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Knights’ best line in the series has been Karlsson centering Brett Howden and Mitch Marner. This line could be a difference maker in the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche.
Karlsson’s Return and Line Chemistry
Karlsson missed 68 games in the regular season and all of the first round against Utah. He hadn’t skated with Marner at all this year, and played with Howden only twice.
Marner said he knew a little about Karlsson before coming to the team. He added that losing Karlsson was a big hit for the team at the start of the season.
Coach John Tortorella initially tried Karlsson with Tomas Hertl and Keegan Kolesar, but that combination didn’t work. In the third period of Game 2, Tortorella moved Karlsson with Howden and Marner.
This elevated Karlsson back to a top-six role. It also moved Marner back to his traditional right-wing spot.
Marner’s Playoff Hat Trick
The line’s first act together was a good one. Marner recorded his first career playoff hat trick in Game 3.
Karlsson isn’t a puck-dominant centre. He knows when to get his teammates the puck and get out of the way. Karlsson said that Marner is very vocal, making it easy to know where he is on the ice.
Offensive Output and Defensive Responsibility
Marner had nine of his 11 points in the series in Games 3-6. Howden had three goals and an assist. Karlsson had three assists.
The Knights want to play with speed and aggression. Karlsson and Marner are two of the best 200-foot players in the league.
Marner said it’s been easy to play with Howden. He added that Howden makes a lot of great plays and is always in a great spot defensively.
That mindset leads to moments like Marner’s highlight-reel goal in the opening minutes of Game 6 on Thursday in Anaheim.
Howden chipped the puck to the corner for Shea Theodore to start a quick breakout. Karlsson to