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.