Erik Karlsson nets 4 assists, remains categorically unmatched
If it's production that determines who wins the Norris Trophy this season, Erik Karlsson better make sure his mantle can hold a third award.
The Ottawa Senators captain accelerated his incredible scoring pace Saturday night, netting four assists for the second time this season in Ottawa's 6-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Via @EliasSports: Erik Karlsson (@Senators) is 1st defenseman to post multiple 4+ assist games in a season since 1994-95 (Chris Chelios: 2x)
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 7, 2016
He bumped his season point total up to 59 over 53 games, moving 15 clear of Brent Burns, who ranks second in scoring among defenseman.
However, at this rate, it would be an injustice to compare Karlsson to only his peers on the blue line.
Karlsson jumped Dallas Stars forwards Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin in league scoring, at least provisionally, with his four apples, and now trails only Patrick Kane atop the overall leaderboard.
His 91-point pace puts him in position to become the first defenseman in 20 years to finish better than 10th in league scoring - a number that would have been enough to win the Art Ross Trophy by four points last season.