Last night, Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins scored his first goal of the season — and he was clearly happy about it. During an intermission interview, Karlsson couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at Paul Bissonnette in the studio.
Karlsson, a three-time 20-goal scorer, recorded an impressive 101 points in the 2022–23 season — his final year with the San Jose Sharks — before being traded to Pittsburgh. While he hasn’t reached those offensive numbers with the Penguins, he continues to log big minutes and currently leads the team in time on ice.
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First goal of the season
In the Penguins’ 4–3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Karlsson finally found the back of the net, with Sidney Crosby picking up the assist. During the first intermission, he was interviewed by Andi Petrillo and was visibly relieved to have gotten on the scoresheet.
Erik Karlsson chirps Paul Bissonnette
As the lighthearted personality he’s known to be, Karlsson took the opportunity to chirp Bissonnette, who was part of the TV studio panel for the broadcast.
“Your first of the year — that had to feel good,” said Petrillo.
“Yeah, I was starting to feel like Paul Bissonnette there for a while — had to change that,” Karlsson replied with a grin.
He also talked about how the team’s younger players help keep him energized and motivated.
Next up, the Penguins face the Washington Capitals.
You can watch the full interview below.
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