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HoFer Henrik Lundqvist makes his feelings known about Erik Karlsson's 'damning indictment' by ex-Swedish HC

Modified Nov 14, 2024 04:24 GMT

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson has been included in the list of players set to represent Sweden in the upcoming 4 Nations Faceoff in February, but former Swedish coach and player Johan Garpenlov isn't thrilled about it.

Garpenlov said that there are too many shortcomings in Karlsson's defensive game and that Team Sweden can ill-afford the mistakes he's prone to making.

“The flares in his defensive play are too big in a short tournament like this one. Every match will be so significant. Then you cannot afford to make these major mistakes that Erik Karlsson, unfortunately, makes nowadays," he said (via English translation).

During the NHL on TNT intermission panel on Wednesday, former New York Rangers goaltender and Swedish gold medal winner Henrik Lundqvist reacted to Garpenlov's comments by saying that while they may have been 'a damning indictment', Karlsson isn't quite known for his defense, either.

"It's a little harsh, but listen, Karlsson has never been known to be a great defender," Lundqvist said. "He's good defensively, but offensively, he's so gifted. What I like about his game is that he gives any team speed, and by that, I mean he's just a good first passer.

"The first pass coming out of your zone is so important to create speed for your team," he continued. "And those first few strides, then he passes, and it's about the timing of the pass to make sure you pass to your teammates with speed so they can receive it, and get into the zone. In that area, he's one of the better players to do that."

Henrik Lundqvist says Erik Karlsson must be better defensively

While Lundqvist praised Erik Karlsson's puck-moving ability and passing skills, he concluded by saying that his defensive game needs improvement if he's to be effective not only for Team Sweden but for the Penguins as well.

"Of course, they need him to be better defensively," Lundqvist said. "I do think the comment was a little harsh, I have to say. To me, it's not about one player, it's not about one player, it's a team in Pittsburgh right now. But it comes with the territory when you're one of the top players, you're gonna be under the microscope."

The 4 Nations Face-off is scheduled to take place in early February in Montreal and Boston next year. It will feature NHL players representing Sweden, the United States, Canada and Finland.