For Islanders, coping with injuries is just part of the game
Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech looks on before a faceoff against the Canucks in the second period of an NHL game at UBS Arena on Jan. 9. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Adam Pelech didn’t want to dissect the illegal head shot he took from the Canadiens’ Brendan Gallagher that, fortunately, wound up costing him just one game because of the extended All-Star break. Nor did the Islanders defenseman want to necessarily connect it to being sidelined 21 games last season because of a head injury, or, for the matter, having to sit for extended times during his career because of wrist or Achilles’ tendon issues.
He just rationalizes that injuries are a part of playing hockey.
The Islanders have dealt with numerous injuries this season — 128 man-games lost and counting — but were, finally, mostly healthy for Thursday night’s match against the Lightning at UBS Arena. Casey Cizikas was activated off long-term injured reserve after missing 10 games with a lower-body injury so the lineup was essentially full of regulars for the first time since Nov. 24.
“Energy guy,” said coach Patrick Roy, who had Cizikas available for the first time since taking over for the fired Lane Lambert on Jan. 20. “Outstanding on the penalty kill. To bring that energy is contagious, I think, for any team.”
The excitement of having key players return from injuries is also infectious as the Islanders battle for a playoff spot.
They entered Thursday’s match in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division, four points behind the Flyers for third place (and a guaranteed postseason berth). They were also four points out of a wild-card spot.
Pelech and defense partner Ryan Pulock, who missed 24 games with a lower-body injury, both returned for Monday’s 3-2 win in Toronto. Only defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (LTIR) and forward Hudson Fasching (day to day) remain out with lower-body injuries.
“You just approach it like any other injury,” said Pelech, who also missed 20 games from Nov. 25-Jan. 6 with a suspected left wrist injury. “It just takes time. Thankfully, within a few days I felt pretty good and then I progressed pretty quickly and I’m definitely glad that it wasn’t a long-term thing.
“A lot different,” Pelech said. “Last year, I was out for nearly two months. Things just progressed a lot quicker so I was definitely relieved for sure.”
Teammate Cal Clutterbuck, whose physical, punishing style of play — he is the NHL’s all-time leader in hits — has led to numerous injuries and lineup absences, echoed Pelech that it’s just part of the job.
“You learn, first of all, that your body can handle a lot more than you think you can,” Clutterbuck said. “Also, when you sign up for the job, you kind of assume those risks. At that point, any concern for any long-term effects just doesn’t exist. I’ve got to be honest with you, these days, the way that guys take care of themselves and their bodies, I think they’ll be just fine.
“There are certain circumstances where a guy gets hit in the head a bunch and a doctor says, ‘Maybe it’s time to think about [not playing].’ But there’s a lot of steps towards that that need to happen for that to be a thing. Put it this way, if you’re coming in here every day worried about getting injured, you’re probably not going to last very long. Or you’re just not going to play well.”
Clutterbuck added he wouldn’t change a thing about his 16 NHL seasons, even with the risks, including those of head injuries.
“I chose to do this,” Clutterbuck said. “I choose to go out there every day and run into things. Maybe I’ll be a little different at 60 than I would have been otherwise. But I’m not sure I would trade it.”
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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