PETER ASKS: How dangerous are the Ottawa Senators come playoff time if they have a healthy Erik Karlsson in the lineup? Are you shocked that he is close to returning?
John Shannon: Peter, certainly they will be more effective with Karlsson and Spezza in the line-up, but bigger questions will be IF they return, and how close to 100 per cent the two players will be, and how much they can contribute. Certainly, the Senators power play which has plummeted to 20th in recent weeks will be improved.
How shocked am I that Karlsson is this close to returning? Totally shocked. Give credit to the doctors, and probably even more to the DNA of an elite athlete in unbelievable shape. That said, he hasn’t played a game yet, and for Sen fans that can’t come too soon.
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Brian Lawton: First off a couple things like are the Senators going to make the playoffs? Check. Second is Erik Karlsson actually going to be playing? Not so fast on that check.
Ottawa is a very well-run organization that you can bet will not rush Erik back into play no matter what happens. The long term safety and future of Erik has been and will remain the top priority. Sorry fans, even trumping the short-term gain an Erik Karlsson at 70 per cent would clearly bring to the club. It just doesn’t make sense so don’t be surprised if he doesn’t make it back in this year.
Now if he is healthy look out. A fresh Erik Karlsson up against a tired NHL is not a match up opposing GM’s, forwards, D and goalies will be looking forward to. The results would be off the charts for Ottawa. Erik is that talented and proved it last year with his wire to wire play over a full schedule that netted him a well-deserved Norris Trophy.
This year was a fluke accident, sorry Eugene not withstanding your forensic results I just don’t believe Matt Cooke intended to kick Erik. The really good news is Erik is not an injury prone player and when the dust settles he will be back to where he was as a player with a bright future for a very long time.
I don’t believe Erik is anywhere near his peak yet so it should be entertaining for a long time for Ottawa fans. I just am not sure the entertainment will start back up again this season! If it doesn’t don’t fret the club has had an amazing year that has far exceeded anyone’s wildest expectations with the totality of the major injuries they have suffered to key players who are all expected back and healthy for next season!