Karlsson, Hoffman connect for jaw-dropping play

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson is The One.

That’s the only explanation for his Matrix-manipulating pass to Mike Hoffman last night midway through the first period, which led to an equally astounding breakaway goal from Hoffman to put the Sens up 1-0 in Game 3.

Karlsson starts the play in the defensive zone when he corrals the puck behind the net, moves out and sauces a pass to Hoffman from his own goal line. The pass hits Hoffman perfectly as he enters the offensive zone on a huge breakaway, and then proceeds to slip the puck past Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask with one hand.

During the broadcast last night, Sportsnet calculated the pass was over 10-feet high and over 100 feet in length. The entire play is incredible and should deservedly get Goal of the Year attention.

Ottawa went on to win the game by a score of 4-3 in overtime to put the team up 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.