Vegas Golden Knights: Lehner the real deal, other takeaways

2. Karlsson’s milestone night

As has been the case for many a player, pulling on a Vegas Golden Knights jersey has only produced good things for William Karlsson.

Known as a bottom-six forward with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Karlsson has flourished with the Golden Knights and has morphed into a franchise center.

And the forward was reminded of his rapid ascension on Tuesday when he lit the lamp early in the third period.

After taking the puck in his own zone and charging up the ice, Karlsson dished the puck to Nicolas Roy before getting it back and one-timing a wicked shot past Mackenzie Blackwood.

Not only did the goal double Vegas’ lead but it was more significant than that because it was Karlsson’s 100th career goal in the NHL.

It was a hell of a moment for a player who has come a long way in a short space of time, and it was a reminder of just how important Karlsson is to this team.

And it was also a productive night for the 27-year-old who finished the game with one goal and one assist for a two-point night.

As important as the goal was, Karlsson’s primary helper on Max Pacioretty’s second period goal will attract all the headlines, and rightly so.

With the puck on his stick in his own zone, Karlsson flicked a sublime and incredible no-look pass with his backhand right on the tape of Pacioretty, who proceeded to wrist a laser of a shot past Mackenzie Blackwood.

It was a hell of a pass by Karlsson who is fifth on the Golden Knights in points with 44 (15 goals, 29 assists), and the fact that he is starting to hot up now is only good news for this team.