Adam Pelech, the Islanders' stalwart defenseman, has been quietly putting together what's shaping up to be his best season yet. The 48-game mark has brought him full circle – no injuries this late in the season for the first time since 2021-22. That year also saw Pelech earn an All-Star Game nod.
"Good health is a big deal, especially this late into the season," Pelech said after practice at Rogers Arena on Sunday. "You miss time, you rehab, and meanwhile everyone else gets better every day." He's still only scoring seven points but his defensive play has been top-notch, with a 52.79 expected goals percentage that leads Islanders defensemen.
Pelech credits his chemistry with Tony DeAngelo for a big reason in their recent success. "Me and Tony have been getting better and better," he said. "Developing chemistry together... He's a real pro, fun to have around us."
The Islanders' defense has become a top 10 unit this season, largely due to Pelech's play. His pairing with Ryan Pulock, who partnered up with Matthew Schaefer in November, seems to be working well for all four players.
Through their current road trip, the Islanders have been relying heavily on their defense as they struggle to sustain possession and generate offense with Bo Horvat injured. While there was a setback Saturday against the Flames, Pelech's continued health has made a "big difference" in this best season yet.
"Good health is a big deal, especially this late into the season," Pelech said after practice at Rogers Arena on Sunday. "You miss time, you rehab, and meanwhile everyone else gets better every day." He's still only scoring seven points but his defensive play has been top-notch, with a 52.79 expected goals percentage that leads Islanders defensemen.
Pelech credits his chemistry with Tony DeAngelo for a big reason in their recent success. "Me and Tony have been getting better and better," he said. "Developing chemistry together... He's a real pro, fun to have around us."
The Islanders' defense has become a top 10 unit this season, largely due to Pelech's play. His pairing with Ryan Pulock, who partnered up with Matthew Schaefer in November, seems to be working well for all four players.
Through their current road trip, the Islanders have been relying heavily on their defense as they struggle to sustain possession and generate offense with Bo Horvat injured. While there was a setback Saturday against the Flames, Pelech's continued health has made a "big difference" in this best season yet.
! It's so sweet to see him stay healthy and contribute to the team like he did back in 2021-22 when he earned that All-Star nod. I remember watching him play during that season and thinking, "He's gonna be a superstar!" Fast forward to now, and he's still bringing it, even if his scoring numbers aren't through the roof... yet 
. The chemistry between Pelech and Tony DeAngelo is real, and their pairing with Pulock and Schaefer has been a game-changer for the Islanders' defense. I'm loving the way they're shutting down opponents and keeping the puck out of their own zone 
. It's not just about the offense struggling without Bo Horvat; Pelech's health has made a huge difference in their success. Fingers crossed he keeps it up till the end of the season 
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I'm loving how Adam Pelech is finally living up to his potential! His chemistry with Tony DeAngelo is like night and day - they're like two peas in a pod out there on the ice 
. It's crazy to think about how much of an impact his health has made this season - no injuries for 48 games? That's unheard of! 
The fact that he's still playing top-notch defense despite not scoring as many points is just a testament to his work ethic and dedication 
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. It's interesting to see how Pelech's partnership with Ryan Pulock and Matthew Schaefer is working out - it's all clicking into place 
. The fact that they're relying on their defense so much right now because of Bo Horvat's injury just goes to show how strong the unit has become 
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. It's just hockey, folks! Let's keep things simple and focus on the game itself, rather than getting bogged down in fancy stats and analysis 
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his chemistry with DeAngelo is for real! I mean we're not talking about some flashy points, just solid D play and that's what's making the Islanders defense go from good to great 
and he's not even scoring that many points but the chemistry with DeAngelo is real they're like two peas in a pod 
it's good to see the defense stepping up for the team with Horvat injured
. He's definitely making the most of it, and his chemistry with Tony DeAngelo is looking fire 
! Their defense has been a highlight for the team, and it's great to see Pelech leading the way 
. Here's hoping they can carry this momentum into the playoffs!