Karlsson's Brilliance Can't Save Pens' Slide

Erik Karlsson puts on a clinic out there, threading needles and logging heavy minutes like the elite defenseman he remains, but the Penguins drop another one they can't afford. With the standings tightening and playoff hopes fading fast, Pittsburgh's front office feels the heat from every misstep. This loss piles on the pressure as GM Kyle Dubas weighs his options before the deadline hits.