Islanders News: Third win in four games; George looks like a vet
This kid looks really good so far. | Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Islanders may have something here in Isaiah George. The New York Islanders notched their third win in four games with a 4-2 over the Ottawa Senators despite all the injuries they’ve suffered. The replacement first line had a big night; it has to feel good for J-G Pageau to score in his hometown and where he spent the early part of his career. And Oliver Wahlstrom finally scored with a wicked backhand.
Of note, Isaiah George, in only his second NHL game and sixth professional game, played almost 24 minutes next to Noah Dobson and then Ryan Pulock, and he looked like he belonged. If he keeps this up, he’s not going anywhere.
Ryan Pulock to @Shannon_Hogan about Isaiah George:He shakes his head, trying to find the words before saying, "Just fantastic, honestly..."#Isles— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) November 8, 2024
Islanders News
About last night:
Bo Horvat recorded three points, and both Pageau and Anders Lee earned a goal and an assist. Matt Martin got an assist on Wahlstrom’s goal. [LHH]
Semyon Varlamov put forth his best effort of the season so far, looking locked in. [Islanders] Something to monitor though is that he looked a bit uncomfortable after leaning a bit too far backward to make a save late in the game; hopefully, it’s nothing.
It’s the first time this season that the Islanders have won consecutive games. [Newsday]
It appears that they have found a winning formula, and who cares if it’s boring? George has provided stabilization felt throughout the roster. [NY Post]
No Isles rookie defenseman has ever played as much this early into his career as George did last night. Also, it was Pulock’s 500th NHL game (regular season). [NYI Skinny]
Onward:
If no one told you, you wouldn’t have known that George has played all of six professional games in his career with how poised and calm he looked. He played more than Scott Mayfield. [NY Post]
George deserves a lot of credit, as does Patrick Roy for his handling of the blueliner. I can’t think of too many coaches who would trust a young player like George this early in his career. [THN]
Arthur Staple answers some reader questions about talent and Wahlstrom and Alex Jefferies in part one of this mailbag. [The Athletic]
Elsewhere
Last night’s NHL scores include the Sabres shellacking Igor Shesterkin and the Rangers 6-1—it was 5-0 midway through the game—and the Islanders’ next opponent, the Devils, holding on against the Canadiens.
In the Canucks’ win over the Kings, Tanner Jeannot hit Brock Boeser in the head and earned a match penalty and probably a suspension. Boeser didn’t return. [Sportsnet]
Long Island native Shane Pinto wasn’t in the lineup last night for Ottawa, but he told Andrew Gross he’s happy just to play hockey again after his gambling suspension. [Newsday]
The 32 Thoughts Podcast discusses the Senators’ tough week (hehe) and shouts out George before delving into what’s going on in Nashville.
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