Erik Karlsson had five shots on net as the Ottawa Senators came up short in Game 3 of their first-round series with the New York Rangers, losing 1-0 on Monday night. Karlsson has been an obvious target of the Rangers' gameplan this series, but the young defenseman continues to get chances, regardless. He played 24:12 on Monday. Jason Spezza finished the game with six penalty minutes, and he also had three shots on net. Replacing the concussed Daniel Alfredsson, Bobby Butler played 14:09 and had five shots.

Erik Karlsson played much better in Game 2 against the New York Rangers by moving his feet more and he'll be looking for more of the same in Game 3 on Monday night. The NHL's leading scorer among blueliners during the regular season was limited to three shots, no points and a minus-1 rating in last Thursday's loss to the Rangers, but he amassed 10 shots and scored his second career playoff goal in Saturday's overtime victory.

Senators general manager Bryan Murray wants the team to free up some space for Erik Karlsson, Ottawa's Norris Trophy candidate and offensive trigger who was held off the scoresheet and targeted physically by the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the opening playoff series. "He has got to get to the puck first and move it quickly," Murray said. If the Senators can spend more time in the Rangers' zone, they are going to try to get more shots through to goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers love to block shots, ranking among the league leaders in the department, so look for the Senators to try to delay occasionally and sneak a pass across ice at the last second. Karlsson did not practice Friday, probably to avoid a bunch of questions as much as anything. If the Senators are going to get back in this series, they need No. 65 to make the kind of impact he had all season. Goalie Craig Anderson would like to see Ottawa's defensemen and forwards try to slow up the Rangers' forecheckers "and keep them from making big hits" on Karlsson. "It may take him a few shifts to get his rhythm," Anderson said, "but he's our best player. When he's going, things go well for us."

Erik Karlsson registered an assist in Thursday's contest. Karlsson has 78 points in 80 games and now leads all blueliners by 25 points. He's still two points shy of the all-time record for the most points in a single season by a Swedish defenseman. It was set by Nicklas Lidstrom in 2005-06.

Erik Karlsson has a chance of surpassing Nicklas Lidstrom's all-time record for the most points in a single season by a Swedish defenseman. Karlsson has 76 points in 76 contests, which is just four shy of Lidstrom's 80-point 2005-06 campaign. Of course, if Karlsson falls short of that mark, there's always next season. Karlsson has established himself as the best offensive defenseman in the NHL today and he should be an ideal fantasy player for years to come.

Erik Karlsson led the Senators with six shots on goal in a 1-0 loss to New Jersey Tuesday. The dynamic blueliner didn't register any points in this game, but with Jason Spezza out of the lineup, he once again was the catalyst to the Senators offensive attack.

Erik Karlsson netted his 19th goal of the season in a 3-2 shootout loss Wednesday. Karlsson has 70 points in 70 games, which puts him 26 points ahead of Dennis Wideman and Brian Campbell among blueliners. Colin Greening also scored a goal for Ottawa. Jason Spezza registered his 45th and 46th assists of the season.

Erik Karlsson scored two goals in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night. There were concerns that Erik Karlsson would be forced to miss tonight's contest with a mystery ailment. Well not only did the defensive standout play, he flourished, lighting the lamp twice. There is no doubt that the Senators are a completely different team with Karlsson in the lineup.

Erik Karlsson (undisclosed) will play on Saturday. Karlsson was questionable due to a mystery ailment. Karlsson leads all Blueliners with 67 points in 68 games this season.

Erik Karlsson (undisclosed) might not be available for Saturday's game. The extact nature of Karlsson's nature isn't known. For now he's being referred to as a game-time decision. Karlsson's been the league's best offensive defenseman this season with 16 goals and 67 points in 68 games.