A complicated second season together forced the Golden Knights’ first line to go back to basics.
No longer did William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith catch opposing teams off guard with their speed and tenacity. No longer did things appear as easy or effortless as Karlsson’s between-the-legs goal against the San Jose Sharks that clinched the Pacific Division title on March 31, 2018.
So the group took a step back, simplified and found success again.
“I think that’s been working for us,” Karlsson said. “Some teams make it tough in the neutral zone so if you can get the puck past their (defense) and work from there, you can get opportunities that way.