Penguins defenceman Erik Karlsson shares his unappetizing pre-game meal

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Cooper Godin
August 1, 2024 (3:25 PM)

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Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Erik Karlsson shares his unappetizing pre-game meal he's had his entire NHL career.

National Hockey League players are creatures of habit and stick to their game-day routines religiously. That includes their pre-game meals, which are usually high in carbohydrates and protein, typically contains chicken along with pasta or rice.

For Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Erik Karlsson, a recent video emerged of him sharing his pre-game meal that he's eaten before every game in his National Hockey League career. It's pretty safe to say that it's not the most appetizing meal out there.

Karlsson's meal features pasta with alfredo sauce, meat sauce, raw onion, hot sauce and ketchup and he said that this is what he's eaten since entering the NHL back in 2009 - 15 years ago.

"Pasta, Alfredo, Meat Sauce, Raw Onion, Hot Sauce, and Ketchup. A little salt and pepper." Karlsson said.

He added, "Yeah, I think first time anyone sees it, it's uh...I get a comment on it. Usually not the most positive. And then we muck it. I like it. It's worked for me for, ah, 15 years now. I'm sticking with it as long as I can."

While it might not be the most appetizing meal, it certainly looks like it's helped Erik Karlsson throughout his NHL career and he could be on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame when all is said and done. So far, Karlsson has recorded 802 points (189 goals, 628 assists) in 1,002 games and winning the Norris Trophy three times.