For a primary impression, you possibly can do an entire lot worse.
It took all of 1 shift into Saturday night time’s match in opposition to the Hurricanes at UBS Enviornment for it to turn out to be clear that the Islanders would want extra from Tony DeAngelo than anybody had anticipated, the order rising exponentially on the sight of Ryan Pulock going up the tunnel injured lower than a minute into the sport.
DeAngelo, mere hours after formally turning into an Islander by clearing waivers at 2 p.m. on Saturday, ended up skating 25:10 over 30 shifts in a chaotic 3-2 additional time win over the Hurricanes.
“There’s guys, for some reason, they don’t feel those minutes,” coach Patrick Roy stated. “I guess he’s one of them. He could go out there and play. I was looking at his last game in Russia — he played 26 minutes. So welcome to the Islanders organization.”
A signing that might have been solid as pragmatic when it was introduced on Friday afternoon, DeAngelo may now be a necessary piece of the puzzle if Pulock’s damage retains him out for a prolonged time period.
“To be honest, real grateful for the opportunity,” the 29-year-old former Ranger stated. “Two weeks ago, NHL career looked pretty bleak. I wouldn’t say I took it for granted when I was here, but to get another opportunity back, you can’t ask for much more.”
DeAngelo’s preparation on Saturday consisted merely of a fast skate, some movie and fast introductions to his new teammates.
Roy informed him to not fear in regards to the system — simply exit, play and there can be time to be taught all later.
For the second, it labored properly sufficient.
“I knew it’s a similar game — especially since Patty took over — as Carolina plays,” stated DeAngelo, who spent final season with the Hurricanes. “For me it’s an easy adjustment as far as system, but for me, just trying to get the timing back. NHL timing, getting on a page with these guys. Faceoff plays, power plays, it’s good to get as many [reps] as you can right away.”
He received greater than anyone anticipated on Saturday. He may need a much bigger function to play than anyone figured for the close to future.
“I was very happy to have him tonight, I won’t lie,” Roy stated. “He’s good. He strikes the puck properly, skates properly. I believe it’s a great match for us. He’s able to leaping within the rush, strikes the puck properly on the facility play. He in all probability hasn’t performed a recreation since January 12 or 13 when he was in Russia.
“I thought he looked good. Really good.”
