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Penguins' Defenseman Hits Career Milestone

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Penguins
By Nick Horwat | Last updated 2/20/24

PITTSBURGH – On the Pittsburgh Penguins' first goal against the New York Islanders, a future Hall of Famer continued solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest. Erik Karlsson picked up a secondary assist on Marcus Pettersson’s tally to give him his 800 ^th career point.

Karlsson hitting his 800^th point makes him the 19^th defenseman in NHL history to hit that number and only second among active players. The other defenseman with 800 career points is former long-time teammate Brent Burns.

The Penguins were buzzing in the Islanders' zone when Karlsson let go of a massive slap shot that Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin stopped. The puck remained loose and was picked up by Rickard Rakell, who found Pettersson across the ice. Pettersson beat Sorokin from one knee as if he were a forward.

HOW SWEDE IT IS!

Karlsson, Rakell, and Pettersson connect to give the Penguins the 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/robrZxAGcc
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 21, 2024

Karlsson started the scoring chance with his slap shot, and all three players who factored in on the goal are native to Sweden.

People have been critical of Karlsson this year, but he’s been an excellent player in his first season with the Penguins. In 53 games, he has seven goals and 32 assists for 38 points, the most among the Penguins’ blue-liners. Karlsson has had multiple point streaks reached over seven games this season.

In his 973^rd career game, Karlsson notched point 800 on the shoulders of 185 goals and 615 assists. Of the 19 defensemen to ever hit 800 points, Karlsson is the ninth fastest to hit the milestone.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Penguins and was syndicated with permission.

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