To grasp how the Islanders have made it by the previous two weeks with their protection thriving as an alternative of self-combusting — struggling damage after damage however nonetheless serving to anchor a seven-game profitable streak that ended on Sunday in Florida — begin with Alexander Romanov.
The 25-year-old Russian is having a second proper now. That is what a breakout appears like.
Over Romanov’s previous 10 video games, he’s averaging 25:06 of ice time whereas being on the ice for 5 objectives in opposition to at five-on-five.
He has made a number of game-changing hits and shot blocks, helped combine Tony DeAngelo seamlessly and been a key a part of the membership’s turnaround on the penalty kill.
He’s not an offensive participant, however has seven factors in that span, and the Islanders have misplaced simply one of many previous 10 video games during which he has performed.
“Rommy’s been playing very physical. Probably his best hockey since I’ve been here,” coach Patrick Roy mentioned after Saturday’s win over the Lightning, during which an outstretched ankle from Romanov saved what would have been a objective. “He’s physical and he moves the puck well. Defends well. Really good stick in the D-zone. I’m very happy the way he’s been playing.”
The run Romanov is at the moment on brings to thoughts gamers like Carolina’s Jaccob Slavin, one other defense-first lefty — albeit one who performs with much less overt physicality than Romanov — who doesn’t rating many factors however acts as an eraser for his staff on the again finish.
Romanov has labored on his arms all through the season and gotten higher at transferring the puck, but it surely’s his contributions on the opposite aspect of the ice which have made him such a pivotal piece for the Islanders.
With Noah Dobson, Ryan Pulock and now Scott Mayfield all getting injured throughout the previous couple weeks, the Islanders again line has virtually actually disintegrated. However Romanov has been a continuing, shouldering heavy minutes and barely placing a skate improper.
The timing shouldn’t be solely key for the Islanders, however must be a boon to Romanov, who’s a restricted free agent this summer time. With the wage cap set to rise massively, and Romanov outperforming his present $2.5 million wage, he has put himself in line for a big increase.
One the Islanders must be very happy to pay.
Ilya Sorokin was named the NHL’s first star of the week after profitable all three of his begins final week with a .953 save proportion. He has gained six straight begins.
The Islanders didn’t maintain apply Monday after coming back from Florida.
