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.
Chris, this play is insane. I was watching it live when it happened and I couldn’t help but stand up and scream. It is truly amazing what some of the players can do now. I was never a huge fan of Erik Karlsson but just like everyone else now, I’ve jumped on the train. Another player that I really admire is Tj Oshie. What do you think of him as a player?