LAS VEGAS — Samuel Bolduc's season could be back to plan soon, and Adam Pelech is getting closer to a return by the day.
After Perec participated in Friday's practice, coach Lane Lambert announced that Perec had been placed on long-term injured reserve in late November, leaving the door open for him to appear in Saturday's game against the Golden Knights. For the first time, I called my defenseman every day.
If that happens, the young Bolduc will return to the press box. The Islanders had planned for Bolduc to spend most of the season watching and learning before a series of injuries derailed the entire plan.
But no one can say Bolduc hasn't accomplished much in the 28 games he's played so far this season, going from a player who looked shaky on NHL ice to confidently using his stick. He has developed into a player who can crush Grade A scoring chances. Just like he did Thursday in Arizona to stop Liam O'Brien from what looked like an obvious departure.
Against the Colorado Avalanche. Getty Images
“To be fair, the more he plays, the more his overall awareness and quickness improves. That was one of those situations,” he said after the Isles defeated the Coyotes 5-1. Coach Lane Lambert said. “Would he have made that play earlier in the season? I don't know, but he was successful tonight, so that's all that matters.”
Naturally, Bolduc thinks he “probably” would have made the same play earlier in the season. But he also understands that his game has progressed, especially in terms of his confidence.
“I feel good,” the 23-year-old said. “Of course, it's not going to be perfect every time. I mean, you want it to be perfect every time, but it just doesn't happen. If you make a mistake or something else happens, you have to put it aside and keep going. Second season. Communicate eye shifts. [on Thursday] It wasn't that great for me, but I still think we finished the game strong and made some good plays. ”
For the Islanders, it became imperative for Bolduc to step up this season, sooner than they had hoped. And while it's clear he still has work to do, his progress is noteworthy.
“If it weren't for the injury, he wouldn't have played as much as he did. I think he's finding his game and finding his way in the National Hockey League,” Lambert said. “Somewhere along the way, there are going to be comments and situations that come up that give you an opportunity as a young player, and you have to take advantage of it.”
