Through two games, Karlsson's shift times are down from 1:04 (last year's average) to 42 seconds. When asked about coach Guy Boucher's plan to continue the trend, the blueliner noted he will need help from the coaches, but said "at the end of the day, it's going to be upon me whether I change or not. Maybe it's something I can improve. Hopefully, it will make me into a better hockey player. You're always looking for small things to improve yourself," Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Karlsson has still been able to produce as the superstar Swede has a goal and three helpers alongside a plus-3 rating. While there are no power-play points to speak of, the 26-year-old is a consistent threat during the man advantage and coach Guy Boucher had previously mentioned keeping him out for the entirety of special teams situations. The decrease in shift time may have raised a red flag for some, but it's no cause for worry, as Karlsson has been on ice for an average of 29:07 over two games and maintains a point-per-game pace.