SALT LAKE CITY — Patrick Roy is aware of Alexander Romanov is in his ingredient when he sees the defenseman end checks and lay the physique down.
So if it wasn’t already clear by the point Romanov laid out Jonas Rondberg with an old-school hip examine throughout Thursday’s second interval 4-0 win over Vegas that this was his look within the night, nicely, it was then.
On an evening when Romanov scored a number of factors for simply the second time this season, the discuss ended about his offense, however the Isles’ prime pairing of Romanov and Noah Dobson additionally confirmed shutouts.
Matched primarily towards the Golden Knights’ prime line, which incorporates Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, the 2 allowed everybody one high-danger likelihood all evening.
“Personally, [coach Patrick Roy] informed me I may go, I may be part of the frenzy,” Romanov stated. “However provided that I play sturdy and strong within the D-zone. So if I clear the whole lot within the D-Zone, I can be part of the frenzy.
It is uncommon to see Romanov on the ice persistently — and he’ll be the primary to let you know his focus will at all times be in the beginning on protection — however when the Isles play as strong protection as they did Thursday, he generally is a weapon.
It is no coincidence that the opposite time Romanov had two factors this yr — a 6-3 win over Toronto on Dec. 21 — was the one different time this season the Islanders performed in addition to they did Thursday.
Romanov has simply 9 factors this yr, all assists, however the Isles have gained six of seven video games through which he has appeared.
“He strikes the puck very well, made some good choices with that puck,” Roy stated. “He had a powerful sport, a really sturdy sport. In all probability one in every of his finest video games I’ve seen shortly. I felt he was very sturdy in assault and protection and that was good for us.”
Hockey Utah might be with out main scorer Dylan Guenther on Saturday, with the group saying the winger is out indefinitely with a lower-body harm.
The Islanders didn’t observe Friday after arriving from Las Vegas.
That is their first journey to Utah.
