Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech named to NHL All-Star Game
Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech sets for a face off against the Golden Knights in the second period of an NHL game at UBS Arena on Dec. 19, 2021. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Adam Pelech’s consistently steady defensive game often goes overlooked in the NHL, but he’ll soon get a chance to show off his skills to a wider audience.
Pelech was announced on Thursday as the Islanders’ lone All-Star representative — so far — for the Metropolitan Division, his first selection to one of the league’s marquee events.
"I’m definitely surprised," Pelech said after scoring his first goal of the season in a 3-2 win over the Devils on Thursday night at UBS Arena. "But it’s a huge honor and I’m looking forward to it."
The All-Star Weekend Feb. 4-5 at Las Vegas again will feature three-on-three play plus skills competitions.
Mathew Barzal, the Islanders’ representative to the last two All-Star Games, is a candidate for the fans’ Last Man balloting.
Pelech, 27, has six points this season. The strength of his game is in the defensive end, particularly with his positioning and stickwork, though he also can be a physical presence at 6-3, 205 pounds.
Pageau, Aho babies arrive
Jean-Gabriel Pageau and defenseman Sebastian Aho were unavailable after their wives gave birth on Thursday. It was the first child for each couple.
Isles files
Lou Lamoriello tied Glen Sather for the second-most wins in NHL history by a general manager with 1,506 . . . The Islanders have scored power-play goals in five straight games for the first time since 2017 . . . Barzal has three goals and 11 assists in his last nine games, with at least a point in each . . . Despite practicing with the Islanders since Jan. 3 after a lower-body injury kept him out of three games, Kyle Palmieri was not activated off injured reserve . . . Matt Martin was a healthy scratch in favor of Ross Johnston . . . Zach Parise had two primary assists . . . Pelech was called for two minors, doubling the number of penalties he’s taken this season.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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