SAN JOSE — Erik Karlsson was skating near center ice as the Sharks went through a 3-on-3 drill toward the end of the team’s practice on Wednesday morning. As soon as he saw teammate Brent Burns take control of the puck deep in his own end, Karlsson darted toward the offensive zone.
Burns hit Karlsson with a 130-foot tape-to-tape pass to spring Karlsson for a breakaway. Karlsson skated in alone before his shot was stopped by goalie Aaron Dell.
Yes, it was one practice. But it was a glimpse of what Burns and Karlsson — two of the most gifted defensemen in the NHL — might be able to do together if they share the ice on power plays, in overtimes or perhaps also at even strength.