The San Jose Sharks may have lost the game, but all-star defenceman Erik Karlsson certainly won his personal battle. Facing the Jets in Winnipeg on Monday in what was a 'nothing' game for the Sharks, the 32-year-old Swede became the first defenceman to reach 100 points in a season since Brian Leetch in 1991-92.
Karlsson started nearly every offensive zone shift for the Sharks, while quarterbacking both power play units on each of his team's four opportunities on the night.
Taking just 20 seconds to find point No. 99 of the season, the game's remaining 59:40 was clearly a strategized team effort.
With the puck in the Jets' zone and Karlsson on the ice, Sharks players wouldn't go two passes without finding the former Norris trophy winner, ensuring he'd have a hand in every possible goal.
“I think I’m physically and mentally in a good spot in my life and I’ve just been trying to keep it going day by day and keep the motivation going as best as possible," Karlsson said post-game. "You know, it’s been tough as of lately but (I’ve) managed a way to get it done and I’m happy about that.”
With the possibility of a playoff berth so far gone, the mentality of the team was that of getting Karlsson into the 100-club, while finding career point No. 700 for team captain Logan Couture, who entered the game with 699.
With Couture's helper taken care of on the Karlsson strike less than a minute into the game, the only other task left on the job list was that of Karlsson's next point.
“It’s a lot of points, and he certainly deserves it," Couture said of Karlsson's performance this season. "He’s created a lot offensively for us this year. He could probably be at 120 or 130 by now if guys would finish off some of the dishes he’s made. But 100, it’s a special number.”
With the Jets down a man following a too-many-men penalty, Karlsson fired a low wrist shot that beat Connor Hellebuyck five-hole, capping his remarkable season as teammates rushed to mob him for his accomplishment.
With the third period marker, Karlsson joined the likes of Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey, Al MacInnis, Denis Potvin and Brian Leetch in the six-member, 100-point defenceman club.
"There's a lot of guys in this league that are worth the price of admission, and he's one of them," Jets head coach Rick Bowness said. "He's fun to watch; highly skilled. You love his confidence, you love his swagger that he plays with. He's not afraid to make any plays, not afraid to get up in any rush. You've got to love the way he plays."
Bowness wasn't the only member of the Jets to take notice of Karlsson's production this season.
“It’s incredible," Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey said of Karlsson's accomplishment. "He’s been doing it for a long time, and he’s been elite for a long time."
Morrissey, who has been recognized across the league for Norris Trophy consideration, has had a stellar 2022-23 campaign himself. If it weren't for Karlsson's historic offensive output, the Norris would likely be Morrissey's for the taking.
Karlsson, who now has 25 goals and 100 points in 80 games for the Sharks, is up by nine goals and 25 points on the Jets' blueliner, but many argue that it would be Morrissey's trophy if the defensive side of the package was viewed as highly as the offensive production.
For Morrissey, it has been a season like none other. The 28-year-old Jets blueliner has put up 38 more points than his previous career-high, while ranking second on the team in points (75) to just Kyle Connor (81) in just 77 games played. He is second to Karlsson in points by defenceman across the entire league.
Morrissey scored his 16th goal of the year in the third period on Monday, and may or may not have stared directly at Karlsson immediately following his blast.
But either way, Karlsson's constant competition has served as serious motivation for the guy who grew up idolizing the former Ottawa Senators captain.
"Going back to sort of my time in junior and stuff like that, watching him a ton when he was in Ottawa and just the poise he has with the puck," Morrissey reflected. "Obviously, the plays he makes, his ability on the blue line and then to jump up on the rush, like I said, it’s amazing."
"A hundred points is pretty rare company, of course, and to do it now is pretty unreal. So, hats off to him and, for me, he’s a guy that I’ve been watching play a long time and it’s cool to compete against him and I’m happy for him.”