Erik Karlsson’s Dominant March Fueled The Penguins’ 2026 Playoff Push

Karlsson put the team on his back in March. In 17 games, he scored nine goals and tallied 15 assists for 24 points. During the month, he registered 55 shots on goal, and he was +5. The Penguins went 8-6-3 during March, keeping their head above water while the season could’ve gone into the toilet. Karlsson had five two-point games and four three-point games. He was named the NHL’s second star of the month for his great work. It was a blast from the past. 

A Window Still Open

Now that Crosby and Malkin are back, Karlsson doesn’t have to shoulder the entire load anymore, but what he did can’t go unnoticed. People have been bashing the guy since he got to Pittsburgh, but that stretch of hockey in March 2026 might’ve made the entire trade worth it. Karlsson looked like he was a 25-year-old Norris Trophy candidate again. His stats over that 17-game run equaled an 82-game pace of 46 goals, 76 assists, and 123 points. That’s unheard of for a 35-year-old that’s not named Sidney Crosby, and a defenseman. 

Karlsson turns 36 in May. Hopefully, the Penguins are still playing hockey by then. For the veterans on the team, this could be the last chance they have to go on a run together. Malkin’s future is up in the air. He doesn’t have a contract past this season, but he deserves to be re-signed after a great year. Kris Letang’s play has declined. Crosby is still going strong, averaging a 21st season of points per game in hockey. Karlsson is still searching for his first career Stanley Cup, and he’s playing like it. This could be his last chance to hoist Lord Stanley’s fabled cup. 

End Of My Pittsburgh Penguins Rant

Pittsburgh has surprised people this season, and they will have to do it again in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If this group can win a series, they will start to believe in themselves, and sometimes that’s all you need in the playoffs. The Penguins are a deep team, something that is needed to win when it matters. Kyle Dubas deserves his flowers. He has put all the pieces into place, and Dan Muse has done a great job behind the bench in his first season. It would be nice to end that season with some hardware.