The Pittsburgh Penguins are ready to celebrate another 1,000th-game milestone.

PITTSBURGH – Erik Karlsson is in his first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins but is ready to celebrate one of the game’s most notable achievements. When Karlsson hits the ice against the Boston Bruins, the Penguins defenseman will skate in his 1,000^th career game.

A legendary career that has spanned 15 seasons, Karlsson spent most of his time with the Ottawa Senators (627 games) and San Josey Sharks (293 games) before becoming a Penguin (80 games). Through his first 999 games, Karlsson has become known as one of the best offensive blue-liners the NHL has ever seen.

The three-time Norris Trophy winner hasn’t missed a game this season and is excited about his mark and understands that it wasn’t easy to get to this point.

“It’s obviously a great feeling to be able to have lasted that long,” Karlsson said. “Very fortunate to play with a lot of guys that have reached that milestone. I know what grind it is.”

While Karlsson is one of the best blue-liners in the game, he’s had a history of injuries. Most notably, in 2013, when Penguins forward Matt Cooke caused a torn Achilles tendon.

Karlsson has battled through criticism and doubt over the course of his career, but now a member of the Penguins, many people realize what kind of player he is. When he entered the league in 2009, the defenseman position was much different and had a focus on size and grit over speed and skill.

“Everybody was very big and strong and physical,” Karlsson said. “There was a lot of banging pucks around and bodies. Obviously, I didn’t have that in my arsenal. I just stuck with things that I thought made me good.”

Heading into game 1,000, Karlsson has 188 career goals and 625 assists for 813 total points. Guys like Karlsson and Kris Letang have helped bring in a new, much more popular style of play from the blue line.

Guys like Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes play defenseman role, but score more than most forwards in the league.

“It’s evolved a lot in that sense,” Karlsson said. “I’m just happy I get to see both parts and be a part of it. And get to evolve with it.”

No matter the milestone, Karlsson understands the weight the game carries for the team who are fighting for their playoff lives. The Penguins can take another big step towards earning a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a win over the Bruins.

“It’s going to be a fun game,” Karlsson said. “Not only for that but that it’s a meaningful game for us. I’m happy that we’re in the situation we’re in. To play that 1,000^th game in under the circumstances will be the most important thing.”

There will be a much-deserved celebration prior to puck drop, likely including the usual Penguins 1,000 game traditions. Expect to see Karlsson lead the warmup stretches while everyone on the roster wears a No. 65 sweater.

Once the celebration is over and a silver stick has been handed out, one of the most important games of the season will begin for Karlsson and the Penguins.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Former Penguins Goalie Adds Rare Moment to Career

Penguins Change Playing Style Down Stretch

Penguins Preview: Former Forward Returns to Pittsburgh

Penguins Show Off Hockey IQ With Overtime Move

Penguins Goalie Reacts to Hall of Famer's Comments

• undefined
• undefined