Islanders don't indulge in Las Vegas' many attractions
Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone knocks Islanders left wing Anders Lee to the ice during the third period of an NHL game Saturday in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/John Locher
LAS VEGAS — This casino-centric, neon-lit haven for gambling and entertainment is nicknamed “Sin City,” but the Islanders were rather low-key about their yearly visit to Vegas.
“Every guy in here is pretty mature,” All-Star right wing Mathew Barzal said before Saturday night’s 5-2 loss to the Golden Knights. “We’ve got no dummies on our team. Nobody is going to be out partying. We’ve got a very chill crew and guys that are committed and focused.”
Left wing Matt Martin said the plethora of shows, restaurants and night life are akin to what’s available in New York.
“There’s a lot of temptations because there’s so many things going on every night,” he said. “A different atmosphere than New York, but New York has a similar-type thing. I like Vegas, but we also know that we’re here for hockey.”
“A couple of guys will go do some gambling, but it’s not anything crazy,” right wing Kyle Palmieri said. “We have a pretty veteran team here. We’re not going out to the nightclubs until 5 in the morning.”
Martin OK
Martin continued playing after momentarily remaining on the ice as defenseman Tobias Bjornfot drove him into the wall and was called for a two-minute boarding penalty at 8:24 of the third period. “I thought it was pretty blatantly from behind,” Martin said.
“Sometimes a player turns into it and he’s responsible,” coach Lane Lambert said. “I don’t think that Matt Martin, in that particular situation, turned his back on anybody.”
Casey Cizikas did not miss a shift after going headfirst into the side wall and getting bloodied on the game’s first shift.
Pelech still out
Defenseman Adam Pelech (long-term injured reserve, upper body) missed his 20th game since Nov. 25 but participated in the well-attended optional morning skate.
He has participated in four straight morning skates and Friday’s full team practice.
“We want him back as soon as he can be back,” Lambert said. “Right now, he’s not ready to come back.”
But Pelech’s teammates are anticipating his seemingly imminent return.
“That’s going to bring more confidence,” left wing Pierre Engvall said. “Everyone wants him to get back in and start playing.”
No Varlamov
Goalie Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day, lower body) was unable to dress against Vegas. AHL call-up Ken Appleby backed up Ilya Sorokin for a second straight game.
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.
