To know how the Islanders have made it via the previous two weeks with their protection thriving as an alternative of self-combusting — struggling harm after harm 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 seems to be like.
Over Romanov’s previous 10 video games, he’s averaging 25:06 of ice time whereas being on the ice for 5 targets towards 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 isn’t an offensive participant, however has seven factors in that span, and the Islanders have misplaced simply one of many previous 10 video games by which he has performed.
“Rommy’s been taking part in very bodily. In all probability his finest hockey since I’ve been right here,” coach Patrick Roy stated after Saturday’s win over the Lightning, by which an outstretched ankle from Romanov saved what would have been a purpose. “He’s bodily and he strikes the puck nicely. Defends nicely. Actually good stick within the D-zone. I’m very pleased the best way he’s been taking part in.”
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 workforce on the again finish.
Romanov has labored on his palms all through the season and gotten higher at transferring the puck, but it surely’s his contributions on the opposite facet 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 fallacious.
The timing just isn’t solely key for the Islanders, however needs to 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 elevate.
One the Islanders needs to be more than pleased 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 received six straight begins.
The Islanders didn’t maintain observe Monday after coming back from Florida.