Alexander Romanov’s offense emerging as Islanders…
SALT LAKE CITY — Patrick Roy is aware of that Alexander Romanov is in his component when he sees the defenseman ending checks and laying the physique.
So if it wasn’t already clear by the time Romanov laid out Jonas Rondbjerg with an old-school hip examine during the second period of Thursday’s 4-0 win over Vegas that this was his variety of evening, nicely, it was then.
On a evening when Romanov scored a number of factors for simply the second time this season, the dialog ended up being about his offense, however the Islanders’ high pair of Romanov and Noah Dobson additionally put in a shutdown efficiency.
Alexander Romanov (No. 28) celeebrates with Casey Cizikas during the Islanders-Golden Knights recreation on Jan. 9, 2025. USA TODAY Sports through Reuters Con
Matched up primarily in opposition to the Golden Knights’ high line, which incorporates Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, the 2 allowed all of one high-danger probability all evening.
“Personally, [coach Patrick Roy] told me that I can go, I can join the rush,” Romanov mentioned. “But only if I play strong and solid in the D-zone. So if I clean everything up in the D-zone, I can join the rush.”
It’s uncommon to see Romanov constantly up ice — and he’ll be the primary to inform you that his focus will at all times be protection first — however when the Isles are enjoying as defensively sound as they did Thursday, he may be a weapon.
It’s not a coincidence that the opposite time Romanov had two factors this yr — the 6-3 win over Toronto on Dec. 21 — was the one different time this season the Islanders performed as nicely as they did Thursday.
Romanov has simply 9 factors this yr, all assists, however the Isles have gained six of seven video games during which he’s contributed.
“He moved the puck very well, made some good decisions with that puck,” Roy mentioned. “He had a strong game, very strong game. Probably one of his better games I’ve seen in a while. I felt like he was very solid offensively and defensively, and it’s good for us.”
Alexander Romanov skates with the puck during the Islanders-Maple Leafs recreation on Dec. 21, 2024. USA TODAY Sports through Reuters Con
Utah Hockey Club shall be with out main objective scorer Dylan Guenther on Saturday, with the crew asserting the winger is out indefinitely with a lower-body damage.
The Islanders didn’t maintain follow Friday after getting in from Las Vegas.
This is their first journey to Utah.
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