from the CP at TSN,

Erik Karlsson took the puck behind his own net and went on the type of end-to-end rush that has made him one of the NHL's most dynamic defencemen.

Even though Karlsson's rush didn't lead to a goal and came in San Jose's 4-3 loss in Game 2 to Colorado, it encouraged the Sharks that Karlsson appears to be healthy once again.

"It's like a fine wine getting better and better every game," defensive partner Brenden Dillon said Monday. "We know how good of a player he is and how much he impacts a game. It's been fun to play with him."

Despite being hampered earlier in the playoffs by a groin injury that sidelined him for 27 of 32 games in the second half of the season, Karlsson is tied for the league lead with 10 assists this post-season thanks to his vision and passing ability.

His skating and defence will be needed when the series shifts to Colorado for Game 3 on Tuesday night after the teams split the first two games.

continued