Islanders Adam Pelech exits after taking blow to head to start offseason
Getting through the end of the season as healthy as possible is perhaps the biggest priority right now for the Islanders, but they couldn’t check that box on Sunday.Adam Pelech left the team’s 1-0 win over the Devils in the second period after taking a check to the head from Paul Cotter and did not return, with the Islanders citing an upper-body injury.“I don’t have any update for Pelly, but that’s the kind of hit we don’t like,” coach Patrick Roy said.“Kind of hit that we don’t want to see happening for any game.”Cotter received a match penalty for the hit, which left Pelech with a bloody face.
The defenseman was seething after the play, slamming his helmet down to the ice and yelling at Cotter.Pelech has a history of concussions, which makes it more concerning if this is a head injury.He had already missed 21 games this season, 20 with a broken jaw suffered in November and one with a right foot issue that cropped up after blocking a shot.The 30-year-old last made it through a full season healthy in 2021-22, when he made his sole All-Star Game.If he can’t go in either of the final two games this season, there are a few options on the back end to replace him.The club could opt to give Adam Boqvist another try, or give Mike Reilly what would likely be a swan song as an Islander, with the defenseman last having played on March 26.Scott Perunovich, who has sat since March 1, could also get a look.Ilya Sorokin said there was no consideration to sitting out the rest of the season as a precaution after being cleared from his lower-body injury.
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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! “When doctors say I’m ready, I’m ready,” he said.
“Doesn’t matter how many games [are left] or not in pla...