Karlsson in lineup for Game 5

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson is in the lineup for Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the St. Louis Blues, head coach Peter DeBoer confirmed prior to the contest.

Karlsson played just over six minutes in the third period of the Sharks' loss in Game 4 on Friday night.

The superstar blue-liner has clearly been playing through an injury during these playoffs, and he was seen laboring through an apparent ailment on several occasions in the 2-1 defeat.

Karlsson was absent for a stretch of more than seven minutes late in Friday's game, but only teammate Brent Burns finished with more ice time than his workload of 25:09 among all skaters.

The two-time Norris Trophy winner came into Sunday's game tied with Burns for third with 16 points in these playoffs.