Erik Karlsson nets first goal with San Jose Sharks

Mark Suleymanov

Erik Karlsson nets first goal with San Jose Sharks image

It took 21 games, but Erik Karlsson has his first goal as a member of the San Jose Sharks.

Just 3:30 into the second period, and with San Jose on the power play, Karlsson stepped into a big rebound and hit a laser past St. Louis Blues goalie Chad Johnson to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead. As Karlsson embraced his teammates, he lifted a weight off his shoulders and extended his point streak to three games.

The Sweden native was not finished. He tallied his 11th assist on a goal by Evander Kane just over four minutes later in the period.

The Sharks acquired Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators in mid-September, ending a monthslong contractual saga with his now former team. He has played well, registering 10 points (all assists) entering play Saturday.

A four-time All-Star and two-time Norris Trophy winner, Karlsson now has 127 goals and 403 assists in 648 career games.

Mark Suleymanov