VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Patrick Roy joked about needing to knock on wood. It’s a common worry this late in the season: player health. Adam Pelech knows this all too well. The last time he played a full season without serious injuries was in 2021-22, the same year he made it to the All-Star Game.
Fast forward to now. Pelech has played 48 games this season, all without the injury bug biting him. This has allowed him to focus on his game and performance is reflecting that; he’s on track for his best season since being fully healthy.
“It makes a big difference,” Pelech shared after practice at Rogers Arena. “Missing time can be tough. While you’re rehabbing, your teammates are improving, and it’s hard to keep up.”
In his own words, Pelech has had his share of bad luck with injuries. This year, he’s hoping for a change. He may not score many points—only seven so far—but his defensive skills shine. He leads Islanders defensemen with a 52.79 expected goals percentage and ranks second in reduced goals against per 60 minutes, according to Evolving Hockey.
Pelech has played a crucial role in transforming the Islanders’ penalty kill into a top-10 unit after years of struggling. “We have a solid plan, and the coaches really prepare us. With great goaltending and consistent practice, we’ve improved a lot,” he said.
Interestingly, Pelech and his regular partner Ryan Pulock have spent less time together this season, instead pairing with other players. This has created unique dynamics on the ice, helping each defenseman find their rhythm. Pelech is now with Tony DeAngelo, while Pulock is partnered with Matthew Schaefer. This setup allows them to balance offensive and defensive play effectively.
“Tony is smart and makes the game easier for me,” Pelech noted. “We’re developing great chemistry, and I’m focusing on my dependable defensive role.”
As the Islanders hit the road for their sixth straight game, they’ve relied heavily on their defense. Their ability to hold strong, especially without star center Bo Horvat, has kept them afloat, even if they faced a tough loss to the Flames recently.
Roy praised the defensive units, emphasizing how well they’ve been performing. “Pelly’s a true professional. Whoever plays with him tends to excel,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have him on our team.”
Keeping athletes injury-free has been a trending topic in sports. Interestingly, research suggests that athletes who take less physical risk tend to perform better over time. A study from the Journal of Sports Medicine found that maintaining a consistent training routine, rather than pushing too hard during recovery, can enhance performance and reduce injury rates in players. This might explain why Pelech is thriving after a healthier season.
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