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It’s been two days. Let’s revisit William Karlsson’s goal again

Posted on by Jillian Wagner

The Golden Knights clinched the Pacific Division title Saturday night in a 3-2 win against San Jose, doing so in spectacular fashion on a silky-smooth goal by William Karlsson that some have accused of breaking Twitter.

Some of the words that have been used to describe the goal, Karlsson’s 42nd of the year, include filthy, disgusting and bonkers, as well as sensational and unreal.

It’s always surprising to see even the best players pull off a move like that in live game action, but to see it at this stage of the season in such an intense division matchup is what has everyone in awe.

It’s been two days. Let’s look back at the best reaction from that amazing goal.

Whether it was the flashy finish or the significance of the tally, Karlsson’s goal has caused quite a stir on Twitter.

Most are blown away by the skillful move, which many have (unofficially) nominated as a candidate for goal of the year.

Though as this little fan demonstrates, there really are no words that can truly capture the moment.

Even our very own Danny Webster wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself.

He was not alone, as many in the record-setting crowd of 18,458 fans in attendance were simply grateful to have witnessed the play in person.

Some took the opportunity to reflect on Karlsson’s 2017-18 performance as a whole. While the move itself was exceptional, it becomes that much more remarkable in the context of what Karlsson has done for Vegas all year long.

When you consider the fact that Karlsson had just 18 career goals prior to this season, Saturday’s goal becomes symbolic of his transformative season.

Carrlyn Bathe of Fox Sports West posted a relatable depiction of how most of us would have fared had we attempted what Karlsson pulled off so seamlessly.

But the disbelief was not limited to spectators, as even some of Karlsson’s teammates marveled at the highlight-reel marker.

(Side note: To the surprise of many, the goal was not No. 1 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 countdown.)

Even Brodie Brazil of NBC Sports California couldn’t help but comment on Wild Bill’s fantastic effort.

But the most creative reaction came from Florida Panthers netminder Roberto Luongo, who is known for his humorous take on things.

His reference to the 36-year-old accountant who made seven saves in an emergency appearance for the Blackhawks earlier this week points out the unlikely nature of both Foster’s performance and Karlsson’s unstoppable move.

Saturday’s goal is just one more clutch moment for the 25-year-old Swede, who won two of three team awards handed out prior to Saturday’s contest. Karlsson has shattered his previous career-bests with 42 goals and 75 points in 79 games.

He is now tied for third overall in the NHL in goals, trailing only Alex Ovechkin (45) and Patrik Laine (43).

His remarkable campaign has some putting him in the discussion for the Hart Memorial Trophy as most valuable player.

Karlsson’s 42nd goal has been such a hit on Twitter that people are starting to see it in other plays.

Claude Giroux’s game-winning overtime goal Sunday afternoon drew many comparisons on Twitter to Karlsson’s dazzler. Some even suggested Giroux “faked a Karlsson” before putting away a nifty goal of his own. It’s important to note that Giroux has used a similar move before and likely wasn’t channeling Karlsson at such a pivotal moment in Philadelphia’s season, and that the between-the-legs beauty is not new to the NHL. Ironically, Sharks forward Tomas Hertl used a similar move in 2013, though he certainly wasn’t the first to do so. But without taking anything away from the skill and finesse Hertl exhibited, his goal was scored with a five-goal lead at the beginning of the regular season. The significance behind Karlsson’s goal is what makes it so impressive and so memorable.

It is one that will not soon be forgotten, which says a lot in a season filled with record-setting moments.

Talking Points