William Karlsson and Reilly Smith are the Vegas Golden Knights franchise leaders in shorthanded goals and points, and after being reunited at the deadline, they are showing just how dangerous and effective they can be on the penalty kill.
The 2024-25 campaign has been challenging for Karlsson. The 32-year-old has scored just nine goals and 27 points in 50 games, dealing with two long-term injuries throughout the season.
Although it’s been a down year, a trade deadline acquisition has revived his play. Since Smith’s re-arrival to Vegas, Karlsson has scored two goals and nine points in 12 games.
The Golden Knights are in safer hands defensively and can now count on Karlsson and Smith to chip in with depth scoring.
Surprisingly, some of their best offensive chances come on the penalty kill. Against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, Karlsson recorded his eighth goal of the season, set up Smith.
“how many times have you watched this goal back?”
7119 times 🍏🤠 pic.twitter.com/shL7aK7Kh3
— x-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 9, 2025
Karlsson and Smith are one and two in the rankings for shorthanded goals and points, with Karlsson recording 14 goals and 25 points and Smith registering 12 goals and 21 points. As each game passes by, their chemistry continues to build.
“It helps a lot playing with Karl,” said Smith following the 2-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. “It seems like every time I don’t get the puck out he’s behind me, and he does a good job so, just keep on working and keep on getting better. We have a few more games, and hopefully, we get our game in top shape when we get to the playoffs.”
Following the 3-2 shootout loss to the Avalanche, HC Bruce Cassidy told the travelling media that he believed the Karlsson, Smith, and Victor Olofsson trio was the best line that night.
If Karlsson and Smith can win their matchups at 5-on-5 and allow Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl more favourable opponents, the Golden Knights will pose a serious threat to any opponent. Mixing in the inevitable danger they create while shorthanded, the Golden Knights will be a handful for any team.
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