Erik Karlsson scored a goal Thursday as the Senators cruised to a 3-1 win over Florida. With his play early on, Karlsson is proving why he was the Norris Trophy winner last season and why he's the odds-on favorite to lead all defensemen in scoring and perhaps take the award home again this year. Jason Spezza also found the back of the net for the first time this season in the win, as did veteran Chris Phillips. Marc Methot picked up a pair of assists.

Erik Karlsson didn't feel comfortable in Ottawa's season opener, but you would have never known by looking at the scoresheet. Karlsson had a goal and two assists in Saturday's 4-1 win over Winnipeg. "Hopefully, I'll feel way better (Monday) and try to get better as we go along," Karlsson said. "The puck wasn't really my best friend, obviously. That's the way it is sometimes. Obviously, I need to work on a few things to get the motion back, and just the flow in the game. Hopefully it won't be an issue." Senators coach Paul MacLean echoed Karlsson's assessment and said that he didn't think the Norris Trophy winning defenseman played particularly well. Either way, Karlsson should be one of the top fantasy blueliners this season.

Erik Karlsson had a goal and an assist in Ottawa's 4-1 win against Winnipeg on Saturday. There's a good chance that Karlsson will end up leading all defensemen in points htis season. Jason Spezza, Chris Neil, and Kyle Turris accounted for Ottawa's other three goals.

Erik Karlsson thinks it might take a little time to get used to playing on the smaller ice surface again following his lockout stint with Jokerit in Finland. "Maybe I will be in some of the hits of the week ... not the ones that I give, but the ones that I take," he said, with a laugh. "I should be accustomed to it, I've played here for three years. It's nice to be back and you want to get going as soon as possible. You try to get back to the routines you had when you left. When the season starts, it's go time and everybody's got to be prepared and ready to go." Karlsson was excellent in the SM-lliga, while netting nine goals and posting 34 points in 30 games. He was the top offensive defenseman in the league last year and stands a good chance to lead all rearguards in scoring again in the shortened season.

Erik Karlsson had a goal and four assists in Jokerit's 8-1 victory on IFK Helsinki. Karlsson has nine goals and 34 points in 30 SM-liiga games this season. This was his final game with Jokerit before his contract ended. Karlsson is expected to wait and see what the fate of the NHL season is before making his next move.

Erik Karlsson has ended his tenure with Jokerit Helsinki of the SM-liiga. Karlsson allowed his monthly contract with the team to expire without renewal so that he could return to his native Sweden. "Erik was excellent, we were very happy and it was a pleasure having him," Jokerit GM Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He will be missed. Good player and a great guy." With the NHL lockout threatening to cancel the season in mere weeks if it doesn't end soon, Karlsson will probably wait to see what happens with that situation before deciding his next move. He had seven goals and 27 points in 28 Finnish games.

Erik Karlsson collected three assists to help Jokerit earn a 4-0 win over Espoo in his return to the lineup on Wednesday from his one-game suspension. He received the ban for throwing his stick at the referees after a game. Karlsson has amassed 27 points in 28 contests this campaign in the SM-liiga.

Erik Karlsson received a one-game suspension from the SM-liiga after he threw his stick at the referees after Saturday's game. He finished that contest with 12 penalty minutes and an assist in a 4-2 loss to TPS Turku. Karlsson has been very productive in Finland's top league this season, with seven goals and 24 points in 27 games.

Erik Karlsson registers two assists in Jokerit's 6-5 win over Karpat. Karlsson was facing his Senators teammate Kyle Turris, who also got two points Friday. Karlsson has seven goals and 16 assists in 26 SM-liiga contests.

Erik Karlsson potted two goals in Jokerit's 3-2 shootout victory against KalPa on Wednesday. The Ottawa defender has notched seven markers and 21 points in 25 games overseas during the NHL lockout. Chicago prospect Teuvo Teravainen, who has been picking up steam of late, had an assist in the contest to give him 16 points in 22 games.