NHL: Vegas F William Karlsson, out since Nov., back for Game 1 vs. Ducks

Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson will return to the lineup for the first time since Nov. 8 when he plays in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday.

Karlsson, 33, had his 12th NHL season interrupted by a lower-body injury suffered in a game against the Ducks. He missed the remainder of the regular season as well as the Golden Knights’ first-round playoff series win over the Utah Mammoth. Now recovered, he is set to rejoin the team in its pursuit of another Stanley Cup title.

“I’m very excited,” Karlsson said. “Yeah, I’m ready to go. It’s been a long journey, but now I’m here, so it feels good.”

Karlsson ramped up his preparation with a stint at AHL affiliate Henderson last week before skating with the Golden Knights during practices on Thursday and Saturday.

“I just want to get into the groove and hopefully play a good game,” he said. “It’s the playoffs, so there’s no waiting around or easing in. You’ve got to get into it.”

Before his injury, Karlsson recorded four goals and three assists in 14 games this season.

Originally drafted by Anaheim and having played 18 games for the organization early in his career, Karlsson is now one of only two remaining players from the Golden Knights’ inaugural 2017-18 expansion roster, alongside defenseman Brayden McNabb. That first season saw Vegas reach the Stanley Cup Fina

Across nine seasons with the Golden Knights, Karlsson has totaled 403 points (165 goals, 238 assists) in 569 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he has added 71 points (31 goals, 40 assists) across 106 app

-Field Level Media/Reuters