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Erik Karlsson is enjoying an incredible resurgence, putting the Pittsburgh Penguins on his back as the team battles injuries to stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Karlsson, once considered the best defenseman in the NHL, is now being hailed as the “best player in the world right now” by his teammates, scoring 8 goals and 13 assists in 14 games in March alone.

Why it matters

Karlsson’s standout play comes at a crucial time for the Penguins, who are fighting to secure a playoff spot with their two franchise centers sidelined. If Karlsson can sustain this level of dominance, Pittsburgh could still make a deep postseason run despite the significant injuries to their roster.

The details

In the Penguins’ recent shootout win over the Senators, Karlsson scored a goal and recorded two assists, accounting for all three of Pittsburgh’s goals. Over the course of March, the 35-year-old defenseman has tallied 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists) in 14 games, an incredible stretch that has him back in the conversation as one of the NHL’s elite players.

On March 27, 2026, Karlsson scored a goal and had two assists in the Penguins’ shootout win over the Senators.

The players

Erik Karlsson

A 35-year-old defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who is enjoying a remarkable resurgence, being hailed as the “best player in the world right now” by his teammates.

Sidney Crosby

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who is currently sidelined due to injury, leaving the team relying on Karlsson to power their playoff push.

Evgeni Malkin

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who is also currently sidelined due to injury, further increasing the team’s dependence on Karlsson’s standout play.

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What they’re saying

“He’s the best player in the world right now.”

— Penguins player

“This is an extraordinary stretch of hockey we are witnessing from him.”

— Josh Yohe, The Athletic reporter

What’s next

If Karlsson can maintain his current level of play, the Penguins will have a chance to secure a playoff spot and make a deep postseason run despite the injuries to Crosby and Malkin.

The takeaway

Erik Karlsson’s remarkable resurgence has made him the driving force behind the Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff push, showcasing his ability to elevate his game and carry a team even at 35 years old. This is a testament to Karlsson’s skill and determination, and a reminder that elite talent can still shine even as players age.