SAN JOSE, Calif. – It’s a matter of trust when it comes to Otto Koivula.
The rookie center was in the lineup for a fourth straight game as the Islanders opened a three-game California swing on Saturday night against the Sharks at SAP Center even as he had averaged just 7:49 of ice time in his first three career NHL games.
“I trust him in the defensive zone more than anything,” coach Barry Trotz said. “He’s really sound in the defensive zone.”
The 21-year-old Finn is in his second season in North America after being picked in the fourth round in 2016.