Karlsson, class act.

[Aeroforce]

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/charlie-mcavoy-cloud-nine-erik-145451110.html

That's what I assumed was being said. McAvoy looked a tad star-struck.

 

[Buckets and Gloves]

I've only heard good things off ice about EK, generational player and great guy off the ice.

Big fan of EK, special guy

 

[Gee Wally]

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/charlie-mcavoy-cloud-nine-erik-145451110.html

Thank you !

 

[missingchicklet]

Karlsson's defense has improved quite a bit. Watching him in the playoffs vs the Bs and in the second round has made me change my tune about him (on the ice; always seemed like a great guy off the ice). He has always been elite as an offensive d, but he is actually a darn good defender now. His penchant for making huge plays throughout the playoffs thus far has been impressive. Sens are not much fun to watch, but Karlsson surely is.

 

[Sea Bass Neely]

It's funny how Jack used to hate on 65 so bad just a few years ago. He'd literally take at least one "Karlsson--Norris winner" jab every time the B's played Ottawa. Now he's (quite rightfully) offering effusive praise for this top 5 ambassador for the sport and generational talent every time his face is on camera.

 

[WreckItRask]

It's funny how Jack used to hate on 65 so bad just a few years ago. He'd literally take at least one "Karlsson--Norris winner" jab every time the B's played Ottawa. Now he's (quite rightfully) offering effusive praise for this top 5 ambassador for the sport and generational talent every time his face is on camera.

Jack aside, it's absolutely revisionist history to say that karlsson was always an effective defender and criticism was unjust in prior seasons. I see a lot of Sens fans replying on the main board with "he was always above average defensively but no one gave him respect" type replies. He wasn't. But I don't think that's a bad thing necessarily.

I think it's a high compliment to pay someone to recognize that they had a particular deficiency, worked hard to improve on it, and now they've become markedly better at it. Karlsson was below average defensively, but has seemingly worked hard to improve that area of his game, and you can clearly see the results. Again, he's never going to be a great 1 on 1 defender in his own end, but he's an above average defender in the other two zones, and he's learned to play very effectively within a defensive structure. He's far from a liability now. I just hate when fans think it's a bad thing to acknowledge someone has worked hard to improve upon an obvious weakness.

 

[Fossy21]

Jack aside, it's absolutely revisionist history to say that karlsson was always an effective defender and criticism was unjust in prior seasons. I see a lot of Sens fans replying on the main board with "he was always above average defensively but no one gave him respect" type replies. He wasn't. But I don't think that's a bad thing necessarily.

I think it's a high compliment to pay someone to recognize that they had a particular deficiency, worked hard to improve on it, and now they've become markedly better at it. Karlsson was below average defensively, but has seemingly worked hard to improve that area of his game, and you can clearly see the results. Again, he's never going to be a great 1 on 1 defender in his own end, but he's an above average defender in the other two zones, and he's learned to play very effectively within a defensive structure. He's far from a liability now. I just hate when fans think it's a bad thing to acknowledge someone has worked hard to improve upon an obvious weakness.

Jack's "hate" continued well after Karlsson became a decent to good defensive D-man. Hell, starting in his first Norris year he was solid defensively (as I've pointed out earlier, he flat out sucked against the Bruins until last season, though), and Jack heckled him for being a Norris winner well after that (I don't know that he's even stopped? ).

He definitely wasn't always good defensively, though. But he was seemingly particularly bad against the Bruins (along with being very bad offensively against us as well). That has changed lately.

 

[Sea Bass Neely]

Jack aside, it's absolutely revisionist history to say that karlsson was always an effective defender and criticism was unjust in prior seasons. I see a lot of Sens fans replying on the main board with "he was always above average defensively but no one gave him respect" type replies. He wasn't. But I don't think that's a bad thing necessarily.

I think it's a high compliment to pay someone to recognize that they had a particular deficiency, worked hard to improve on it, and now they've become markedly better at it. Karlsson was below average defensively, but has seemingly worked hard to improve that area of his game, and you can clearly see the results. Again, he's never going to be a great 1 on 1 defender in his own end, but he's an above average defender in the other two zones, and he's learned to play very effectively within a defensive structure. He's far from a liability now. I just hate when fans think it's a bad thing to acknowledge someone has worked hard to improve upon an obvious weakness.

Oh i don't disagree. I was speaking specifically about how Jack did a complete 180 in terms of the how he regards Karlsson....the impression of respect he exudes over the broadcast. Just thought it was funny to remember 2-3 years ago it was mostly (understandable) Norris potshots and backhanded compliments about his offensive prowess.

During the OTT series he was washing 65's balls every five minutes; though in fairness the NBCSN crew has been fanboying just as hard. Lookin at you Pierre

PS-- Karlsson should not have won the Norris. There should be a Selke-like trophy to give to the more offensively inclined blueliners IMO

 

[bruins repeat time]

I gained a lot of respect as a player and class wise for karlsson. I think he has really picked up his defensive game and well his offense is obvious .

The only guy I lost a bit of respect for was mcarthur . I can get rid of the rough, sometimes dirty plays whatever, but to score a game winning series goal and celebrating with your team isn't enough , you have to stick it to the opposing fans it is pretty classless . I know Peter did that to them in Ottawa and I didn't care for it but I am guessing if it was a game winning series overtime goal he wouldn't have . I will say I kind of think mcarthur regretted it afterwards .

 

[Fossy21]

I gained a lot of respect as a player and class wise for karlsson. I think he has really picked up his defensive game and well his offense is obvious .

The only guy I lost a bit of respect for was mcarthur . I can get rid of the rough, sometimes dirty plays whatever, but to score a game winning series goal and celebrating with your team isn't enough , you have to stick it to the opposing fans it is pretty classless . I know Peter did that to them in Ottawa and I didn't care for it but I am guessing if it was a game winning series overtime goal he wouldn't have . I will say I kind of think mcarthur regretted it afterwards .

You think? He was running guys into the boards, trying to concuss guys, throwing questionable hits, trying to stir **** but not backing it up, diving and embellishing all series long. Highly doubt he regretted anything.

Also, Ryan should be on that list, unless you already had little to no respect for him.