Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 | 2 a.m.
When “Dancing Queen” blares over the loud speakers at T-Mobile Arena, it’s a good indicator that William Karlsson is having an impact for the Golden Knights.
That was again the case Saturday night, when the center had a goal and an assist in his season debut to help Vegas dispose of the visiting San Jose Sharks, 7-2.
“It was a good night,” said Karlsson, who missed eight games to open the season with a lower leg injury. “It’s never fun to sit on the side or get injured. I’m just happy to be back. I’m super happy to be back.”
Karlsson, a member of the franchise since it launched in 2017, cemented his status as one of the team’s legends during the Golden Knights’ championship parade in 2023. A shirtless Karlsson started dancing to “Dancing Queen,” the hit song from ABBA, while drinking from the Stanley Cup in a celebration that went viral.
His memorable performances, of course, aren’t limited to getting down to Abba.
Karlsson skated with the third line against the Sharks, connecting with Tanner Pearson for a goal and scoring on an assist from linemate Alexander Holtz.
Karlsson also made history with his goal of setting a franchise record for most career short-handed goals with 13.
“I like to watch him (Karlsson) play and that’s the simplest compliment,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He plays the game the right way. He Plays with pace. He can score. He can make plays.”
The Golden Knights’ offense outshot the Sharks 42-26 — the most shots they’ve recorded in a game this season. In the first period alone, Vegas had a 22-4 shot edge.
Pavel Dorofeyev had three points off a goal and two assists. Mark Stone recorded a goal and two assists and now leads the NHL in points (17) and assists (13).
Brett Howden had two goals, Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist and Tomas Hertl had two assists in his first game against his former team.
This is the third straight game in which the Golden Knights have scored six or more goals. They also haven’t lost at home.
“A lot of our goals come from good defense,” said defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who added two assists. “We’re defending really well at home and that’s a big part of it. Our work ethic is pretty good at home.”
In net, Ilya Samsonov made 23 saves on 26 shots, picking up his third win of the season.
Vegas returns to the ice at 7 p.m. Monday to host the Calgary Flames.