Ottawa defenseman Erik Karlsson cut by skate, needs surgery

Erik Karlsson will need surgery to repair his left Achilles suffered against the Penguins.

Gene J. Puskar/AP

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson will need surgery to repair his left Achilles after the tendon was cut by a skate blade late in the second period Wednesday night against Pittsburgh.

The Norris Trophy winner last season as the NHL's top defenseman, Karlsson was cut by Penguins forward Matt Cooke's skate blade as the two tangled along the boards.

Karlsson leads NHL defensemen with six goals, scoring three times in his previous four games. He had a short-handed goal to help the Senators beat Buffalo 2-0 on Tuesday night.