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Erik Karlsson Breaks Silence on One of the Worst Mistakes of his NHL Career vs. the Maple Leafs
It was a horrible turnover by Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson that led directly to a goal by the Toronto Maple Leafs with 0.1 seconds left in the 2nd period of today's game.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson has been included in swirling trade rumours in the last several weeks, especially with the Trade Deadline now officially less than a week away.
He didn't do himself any favours this afternoon against the Toronto Maple Leafs, committing a brutal giveaway late in the 2nd period that led directly to a goal from Toronto forward Matthew Knies with 0.1 seconds left.
His careless pass was intercepted by Knies, who raced down the ice with time ticking away and fired a shot past the blocker of goaltender Joel Blomqvist; video replay confirmed the puck crossed the goal line with 0.1 seconds remaining.
Following the game, Karlsson dismissed the error as nothing but a fluke play.
We were talking about it. I've played almost 1,100 games. That's never happened, with that little time left, too. It's pretty much like a free play. We executed as fast we could. It's just that they got a jump on it. I don't really know what to say.
Karlsson also talked about his future with the Penguins, which very well could be coming to an end before long - if he agrees to waive his no-trade clause.
With my situation, I have full say on whether anything happens or not. Until I do get asked - whenever that is and if that is - then I'll take a stance. Until then I'm not worrying about it. I have nothing to worry about because I would be the first one to know, I'm sure. Then I'll deal with that situation if that occurs.
Karlsson, 34, has collected 40 points in 61 games this season so far, showing he can still contribute to any team.
Some teams will probably seize the chance to trade for him as the deadline approaches. What transpires in Pittsburgh over the course of the upcoming week will be interesting to watch.
| POLL | ||
MARS 2 | 352 ANSWERS Erik Karlsson Breaks Silence on One of the Worst Mistakes of his NHL Career vs. the Maple Leafs Is Erik Karlsson on the verge of being traded from the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 311 | 88.4 % |
| No | 41 | 11.6 % |
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