Islanders’ Isaiah George hitting first speed bump after promising start
The magic carpet ride of Isaiah George’s first month as an NHLer finally hit a spot of turbulence on Tuesday.
After turning it over twice in his first few shifts and appearing to struggle with the physicality of a heavy Kings forecheck, George saw just 7:36 of ice time and spent the game’s final 32:22 on the bench watching as the Islanders lost 3-1 to Los Angeles.
Every young player in the NHL has games like this, and it speaks well on George that it took him 18 matches in the big leagues to noticeably struggle.
“Hey, this kid has been outstanding for us since he’s been here,” coach Patrick Roy said, adding that he plans to convey just that message to George on Wednesday. “These things happen. On my rookie year, I had some s—ty nights. I think we call that a career. I think he’s gonna learn a lot from that game and now I want him to bounce back.”
The timing is less than ideal for George’s personal prospects, as the 20-year-old is trying to make his case to stay in the lineup once Adam Pelech (jaw) returns to the lineup, which will push either George or Dennis Cholowski down to AHL Bridgeport.
Pelech recently rejoined the team for practices in a non-contact jersey, so though a return is not imminent, it could happen sooner rather than later.
Since George is waivers-exempt and his development could in theory benefit from playing top-pair minutes in Bridgeport, he will need to show he is indispensable to stay on the roster.
A lot, then, could ride on how he responds to his first truly poor night in the big leagues.
“It is what it is,” Noah Dobson said. “He’s played great hockey for us. I’m sure he will reset, bounce back for the next game. It’s a team game, so we can all do a better job of helping each other out. I don’t think anyone’s too worried for him.”
Anthony Duclair (suspected groin) joined Pelech in skating with the team while wearing an orange non-contact jersey Tuesday morning. Roy did not give a timeline for when either is expected to play again.
Semyon Varlamov (lower body, day-to-day) has yet to begin skating on his own, Roy said.
Scott Mayfield missed Tuesday’s game due to illness, with Dennis Cholowski and Grant Hutton forming the third pair in his absence.