PHILADELPHIA — Robin Salo misplaced out on the chance for his first NHL objective Monday evening, however on Tuesday the Islanders rookie defenseman left nothing to probability.
Salo appeared to have scored his first objective within the second interval Monday because the Islanders beat the Flyers at UBS Enviornment. The official scorer, nevertheless, decided that Casey Cizikas had tipped Salo’s shot from the purpose earlier than it discovered the again of the web.
So, simply 2:08 into the Islanders’ 4-3 shootout win over the Flyers on Tuesday evening, Salo skated into the offensive zone and ripped a slap shot previous Carter Hart. No want for a deflection.
“Actually good feeling,” Salo mentioned following the victory. “And clearly even higher feeling that we received the sport.”
Salo’s endurance within the NHL has been a welcome shock within the wake of Ryan Pulock’s harm, which has compelled the star defenseman to sit down for weeks longer than initially recognized. Salo, a 23-year-old from Finland, has averaged 17:26 per sport, settling into a task paired with Andy Greene after some preliminary stumbles.
“Clearly feels good to play,” Salo mentioned. “And it’s a tricky league. So I really feel prefer it took a while to get used to however I really feel like attempting to construct some confidence and attempting to play higher.”
Salo, who acquired an help on the Monday objective, notched simply the second and third factors of his profession within the final two days, however he mentioned he thinks he has made probably the most enchancment in his protection.
“Positioning myself in the best spot and enjoying bodily,” he mentioned. “Attempting to not permit any staff to attain any targets.”
That drew fun from Cizikas, who was seated subsequent to him, however Salo has compelled himself into the dialog for enjoying time even when Pulock returns. That may not occur with out good play on each ends of the ice.
When requested about Pulock’s harm Monday, head coach Barry Trotz mentioned: “It’s a bit of little bit of a curse, however on the identical time, it’s a blessing. A man like Robin Salo’s creating.”
On Tuesday, Salo acquired extra validation on that entrance — and a second he’ll bear in mind eternally.
“It’s nice for him,” Josh Bailey mentioned. “He deserved it. It was a terrific shot, we had been all actual joyful for him. He’s been gaining an increasing number of confidence, that’s the way in which it goes.
Trotz mentioned Kyle Palmieri’s rehab from a lower-body harm is at “in all probability 80, 85 p.c.” The ahead was injured towards the Bruins on Dec. 16 and was initially described as day-to-day.
“He simply hasn’t moved ahead as rapidly as we thought he would,” Trotz mentioned. “There hasn’t been any setback.”
Matt Martin mentioned the NHL’s determination to cease COVID-19 testing of asymptomatic gamers after the All-Star break is “a step in the best path.”
The league made the announcement Tuesday, following the lead of different professional and faculty sports activities.
“That is the primary I’m truly listening to about it, however I feel it’s in all probability factor,” the Martin mentioned Tuesday morning.
“From what I perceive a number of the protocols will change which I feel are wanted,” Trotz mentioned after the sport. “I simply went via COVID and I felt completely incredible. So I feel the league is adjusting appropriately to the calls for of this sport but in addition the adjustments in these athletes really feel good.”
The 90-day testing “vacation” for many who have recovered from COVID-19 will stay in place.
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