Five years to the day that Erik Karlsson’s confidant and mentor Daniel Alfredsson returned to Ottawa as a Detroit Red Wing, the All-Star defenseman graced Canadian Tire Centre ice for the first time Saturday afternoon as a member of the opposition. Unlike Alfredsson's Red Wings, who beat the Senators 4-2, with “Alfie” picking up an empty-netter and an assist, the home team played the spoiler, soundly defeating Karlsson’s Sharks 6-2.

MORE: Sharks' Erik Karlsson gets solo lap and standing ovation in return to Ottawa

The Senators’ former captain rode a rollercoaster of emotions all week leading up to Saturday afternoon’s return to Ottawa. Karlsson told reporters it would be “different and weird” to reporters in Buffalo Tuesday. After Wednesday’s loss in Toronto, the 28-year old seemed ruffled when asked for his thoughts prior to heading to his off-season home. Karlsson walked away without answering, responding “Thanks, guys.”

More relaxed Friday after getting to sleep in his own bed, the two-time Norris Trophy winner answered all media questions, only electing to defer on whether there’s any resolution to his wife, Melinda’s personal situation with Monica Caryk, his former Senators teammate Mike Hoffman’s fiancée.

To their credit, Karlsson’s Sharks teammates attempted to keep the mood light, giving him the rookie treatment - skating a pregame lap alone.

The boys (okay, Jumbo) made @ErikKarlsson65 take a solo lap. 😂 pic.twitter.com/TvE3Iqyide — San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 1, 2018

Senators’ fans and Karlsson were feted to a video tribute at the first timeout. It contained classic goals, breakouts, a celebratory Karlsson wink, waves to the crowd, ending with his No.65 sweater hanging lonely over his old dressing room stall.

The 17,531 in attendance gave arguably the Senators most-dynamic player in franchise history a standing ovation. Karlsson acknowledged fans, jumping off the bench onto the ice, waving to the crowd. Karlsson also thanked his ex-mates prior to returning to the bench.

“I have a lot good memories that I have from this rink. I was drafted here (in 2008). I’ve spent pretty much my entire career here - obviously, a lot of positive things. It was fun to see everyone,” said Karlsson postgame. “I was happy to be in front of these guys again and these fans. They (Senators) did a good job and I thank them for that.”

Fans cheered the Senators’ former captain every time he touched the puck and made a dash. Karlsson played 24:55, firing 15 shot attempts, nine on goal.

The Swede appeared relieved the day was finally over. His thoughts quickly turning to a struggling Sharks squad who are now winless in six road games (0-5-1).

“We’re struggling right now. You’re going to have periods like this throughout the year. We have to sort a lot of things out to play better hockey than we’ve shown in the past four-five games. At the end of the day, it’s up for us in the room to find a way to get back to the way we know we can be,” noted the four-time All-Star.

With the victory, their third in a row, the Senators climbed back to the .500 mark (12-12-3) for the first time since November 19.

One of three former Sharks in the Senators’ lineup, Mikkel Boedker compiled four points (one goal, three assists) tying a career-high. Chris Tierney also added an assist.

MORE: Sharks' Erik Karlsson has no regrets ahead of emotional return to Ottawa

“I guess it was a lot of fun out there today. We played hard as a unit,” added Boedker. “There’s three of us in here, playing against our old squad. Everyone seemed to rally behind that. There was no chirping, just friendly competition.”

Sophomore defenseman Thomas Chabot is one player who’s certainly benefitting from Karlsson’s departure. The 21-year old added two assists to extend his lead among all NHL d-men in points by three (31) over the Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly.

“Obviously, that’s exactly what it is. He’s the guy, he’s the best player in the world or least the best d-man. For him to be here, obviously he’d play the most time, be on the power play,” explained Chabot. “For me, I get more ice time. It would be a different game or season. I’m just trying to take advantage of the chances, ice time I get right now.”