The Blue Jackets entered Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals needing a win to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
John Tortorella's team had to have someone to step up. And quickly.
That man would be William Karlsson.
The second-year center finished the night with one goal, one assist and a +3 rating in nearly 19 minutes of ice time in the Blue Jackets' 5-4 win over the Pens. His goal was the game-winner for Columbus.
It was only yesterday, that I wrote about Karlsson's struggles in this series. He had been getting caved in against the best players on the Penguins and his inexperience was showing.
Tuesday night in Nationwide Arena, he had one of his best games of the season. Karlsson finished with a 55.8% Corsi for at even strength, tying for the team lead in shots with four.
His play also elevated the performance of his teammates as well. Josh Anderson looked like he was shot out of a cannon all night and Matt Calvert looked rejuvenated, ready to play the brand of hockey Jackets' fans have come accustomed to. In addition to the from the two goals out of this fourth line, they held Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby to no points, just one shot and a -2 rating.
William Karlsson stood tall for the Blue Jackets in Game 4. They'll need more standout performances to claw their way back into this series.
