Mike Sullivan speculatively calls out Erik Karlsson after D-man poor outing in Penguins' loss to Canes

Mike Sullivan showed his frustration after Erik Karlsson and the Pittsburgh Penguins lost 5-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. Although he didn’t mention names, Sullivan hinted at disappointment with some players’ efforts. It was clear that he was reportedly thinking about Erik Karlsson, whose defensive struggles allowed the Hurricanes to score early and gain momentum over the Penguins.

The Hurricanes took control just 52 seconds into the game when Karlsson’s weak defense let Jordan Martinook score. They scored again soon after, with Karlsson’s poor positioning putting the Penguins in a 2-0 hole by the end of the first period.

This game was another tough one for the Penguins in Raleigh, a place where they have struggled since 2018. Sullivan made it clear he wasn’t overlooking the night’s mistakes, especially from a player as experienced as Karlsson.

Sullivan recognized the hard work of many players but didn’t hide his disappointment with some of the team:

“I thought we had a lot of guys who played really hard and didn’t get rewarded for their efforts,” Sullivan said (via The Athletic). “I think there were a few guys that didn’t live up to the expectations. It’s hard. We need everybody to bring it every night to have a chance to win.”

Sullivan’s words hinted at a growing concern with Karlsson, who joined Pittsburgh this season with high expectations.

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Erik Karlsson reflects on Pittsburgh Penguins' struggles in loss to Hurricanes

NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins at Carolina Hurricanes. (Image via Imagn)

Erik Karlsson tried to explain the game’s issues, saying it was “just one of those nights” where small mistakes lead to bigger problems. But these nights are becoming a pattern, and Sullivan’s choice to pull Karlsson from the top power play unit, putting in Michael Bunting instead, showed that the coach expects better.

"Not bad,” Karlsson said. “Unfortunate it’s tough sometimes when your first shift, they score on the first play, and it starts snowballing the other way. It’s just one of those days where you got to keep your head down and try and be in the right position at all times,

"And even if you’re just a little off, sometimes it doesn’t go your way. And that’s just one of those nights. I’ve had many of them, and I’m sure I’ve had some more. I just have got to figure out a way to control them," he added.

The Penguins’ offensive struggles went beyond Erik Karlsson’s issues. Even though they outshot the Hurricanes early, they couldn’t turn chances into goals, a problem they’ve had all season.

The Pittsburgh, now 5-8-2, have struggled to score when their top stars, Crosby and Malkin, aren’t involved. Over their last seven games, they’ve managed just two even-strength goals without either player on the ice. The Penguins will face the Capitals next.